• Polycarbonate plastic baby bottles
• Large water-cooler containers and sports bottles
• Bottle tops
• Microwave-oven dishes
• Canned-food liners
• Some dental sealants for children
• Water supply pipes
The use of BPA is so pervasive (industry uses more than 6 billion pounds of BPA a year) that scientists have found that 95 percent of people tested have dangerous levels of BPA in their bodies.
Some of the biggest victims are our children, who may be exposed to the chemical even while in utero. Then, as babies and smaller children, they are exposed to the chemical through plastic baby bottles and toys, which, of course, they're putting in their mouth. A major problem with BPA is that it doesn’t stay in the plastic. It leeches into whatever food or beverage you put in a plastic container, canned good, or plastic baby bottle. Even worse, if you microwave the containers or bottles, or place hot liquids or food into them, BPA is released 55 times more rapidly!
Concerns about BPA are based on studies that have found harmful effects in animals, and on the recognition that the chemical seeps into food and baby formula.
The FDA has food labeling guidelines that dictate what must be listed on food packaging. That generally includes a listing of ingredients, nutrition analysis, "best if used by" dates, instructions for handling and preparation, and contact information for the company that packaged the food. Yet, there is no requirement that consumers are told about chemicals in the packaging itself that could be leaching into your food -- even though these are essentially inadvertent food additives!
In December of 2009, Consumer Reports reported testing 19 name brand canned foods, including: Soups, Juices, Tuna, and Green beans. The results were disappointing as nearly all of the tested canned foods were contaminated with BPA, including organic canned foods! BPA was even found in some cans labeled "BPA-free." According to Consumer Reports’estimates, just a couple of servings of canned food can exceed the daily safety limits for BPA exposure in children.
Even low-level exposure to BPA can be hazardous to your health -- the evidence has been accumulating for more than 10 years. Nearly everyone is exposed to BPA, starting in the womb.
There are more than 100 independent studies linking the chemical to serious health problems in humans, including:
• Prostate cancer and breast cancer
• Early sexual development in girls and disrupted reproductive function
• Changes in gender-specific behavior, and abnormal sexual behavior
• Decreased sperm count and other fertility problems
• Diabetes and obesity
• Altered immune function
• Abnormal heart rhythms and coronary artery disease
• Learning and behavioral problems, including hyperactivity
• BPA in Baby bottles
If BPA is so bad, why doesn’t the FDA do something?
The good news is that the FDA is at least recognizing potential dangers of BPA and stated that is has “some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.” Although Despite more current research and current FDA opinion questioning BPA’s safety, the chemical was originally classified under an FDA ruling as a GRAS (Generally Regarding As Safe) chemical. Therefore, under FDA regulations – the FDA cannot properly review the safety status of BPA. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the main deputy commissioner of the current study with the Federal Drug Agency stated that they are trying to get companies producing BPA to volunteer information [on it’s safety], but that it’s probably going to require a change in the law. Therefore, BPA makers on the “honor system” to tell the government and us if the chemical is toxic and the FDA can’t currently review it. FDA consultant Lynn Goldman and acting chief scientist Jesse Goodman, all expressed frustration with the antiquated framework of the FDA’s regulatory process. (New York Times, January 15, 2010) In essence, red tape is keeping this dangerous chemical on the market and in our bodies!
Tips to Help You Minimize Your BPA Exposure
• Store your food and beverages in glass containers, NOT plastic.
• If you choose to use a microwave, don’t microwave food in plastic containers.
• Stop buying and consuming canned foods and drinks (the can linings contain plastic chemicals.)
• Avoid using plastic wrap altogether.
• Replace your plastic dishes and cups with glass varieties. Never drink your coffee or tea from a plastic cup.
• Avoid using plastic cups, utensils, dishes, and food storage containers. There are some containers being labeled "BPA-free," so keep an eye out for those if you choose to use plastic.
• Avoid drinking bottled water. Instead, filter your own water and put it in a glass bottle.
• Before allowing a dental sealant to be applied to you or your children, ask your dentist to verify that it does not contain BPA.
• For your children: use only glass baby bottles and dishes. Use cloth diapers instead of plastic. Also, give your baby non-plastic toys, like varieties that are made of fabric.
Natural Recipe of the Week:
All Purpose Spice Rub
Spice rubs are simple mixtures of salt, sugar, spices, and dried herbs used to season meat, poultry, or seafood before cooking. They're often used for grilling, but also great for roasting and broiling. Homemade rubs are quick and easy to put together and compared to the commercial varieties they are fresher, healthier, more flavorful, and more economical!
Ingredients:Makes 1 1/4 cups (enough to season 5 to 10 pounds of meat, poultry, or seafood)
• 1/3 cup coarse salt
• 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions for Making Rub:In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients, using your hands to break up the sugar. Store in an airtight container, away from heat and light, up to 6 months.
Directions for Cooking with Rub:
For each pound of meat, poultry, or seafood: Coat with 2 to 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or expeller pressed canola oil, then 1 to 2 tablespoons spice rub. After applying the rub, you can either grill foods immediately or let them sit and develop more flavor. If preparing ahead of time (up to 24 hours), you can apply the rub to chicken and turkey parts, steaks, pork chops, lamb chops, ribs, brisket, or pork shoulder. (The larger the cut, the more it will benefit from a long coating time.) Cover and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before grilling. Fish and shrimp are best grilled within an hour of rubbing. To prevent foods from sticking, oil grates well, and don't move the food for the first minute or so of cooking; this will allow a solid crust to form.
Note: Before handling raw meat, measure out the amount of rub you'll need, and set it aside; this way, you'll avoid contaminating the unused rub.
Frugral Gift Tip: Make big batches at a time for gifts! Package in decorated, small fruit jars or food-safe plastic bags. Attach gift tags with instructions.
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