What Are the Dangers of Using Plastic Bottles Containing Bisphenol A?

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical found in many food containers, including some plastic bottles. Although it has not been proved that plastic bottles containing BPA are dangerous to humans, some studies suggest that there may be cause for concern.

Bottles Can Release BPA

• According to the University of Cincinnati, there is no doubt that some plastic bottles containing BPA can release Bisphenol A into the liquids they hold. A study conducted by the university found that the rate of release was even higher after the bottles came into contact with boiling water.

BPA Enters Human Bodies

• It is also clear that the BPA released by items such as plastic bottles is capable of making its way into our bodies. A 2004 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study found levels of BPA present in the urine of nearly all of the 2,517 study participants.

Laboratory Results

• The concern about BPA being dangerous to humans is motivated by studies of BPA exposure in animals. According to the University of Cincinnati, small amounts of BPA have been shown to affect reproduction and brain development in laboratory animals.

Some Concern for Humans

• While it has not been proved that BPA is dangerous to humans, recent studies have led the Food and Drug Administration and the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health to express some concern about the effect of BPA on fetuses, infants and young children. The FDA plans to fund more conclusive studies to assess BPA risk.

Minimizing Your Risk

• To minimize your exposure to Bisphenol A from plastic bottles, switch to metal water bottles or plastic bottles without BPA.