How does bpa enter the environment

JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts. BPA is a high production volume HPV chemical widely used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used in nearly every industry. Humans appear to be exposed primarily through food packaging manufactured using BPA, although those products account for less than 5 percent of the BPA used in this country.

Releases of BPA to the environment exceed 1 million pounds per year. Studies employing standardized toxicity tests used globally for regulatory decision-making indicate that the levels of BPA in humans and the environment are below levels of potential concern for adverse effects. However, results of some recent studies using novel low-dose approaches and examining different endpoints describe subtle effects in laboratory animals at very low concentrations.

Some of these low-dose studies are potentially of concern for the environment because the concentration levels identified with effects are similar to some current environmental levels to which sensitive aquatic organisms may be exposed. Regulatory authorities around the world reviewing these low-dose studies have generally concluded that they are insufficient for use in risk assessment because of a variety of flaws in some of the study designs, scientific uncertainty concerning the relevance to health of the reported effects, and the inability of other researchers to reproduce the effects in standardized studies.

You may opt out at any time. Full Name. What is Bisphenol-A? Where is it found? Today, BPA plastic is commonly made into a variety of popular consumer items such as: Reusable water bottles Plastic food containers Baby bottles Sports equipment.

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How does BPA enter the body? The main source of BPA exposure is diet, particularly packaged and canned foods. Avoid thermal paper receipts Turn to glass, porcelain, or stainless steel food storage containers and reduce use of plastic.

Choose wax paper over plastic wrap. There is no such thing as microwave- or dishwasher-safe plastic: Repeated studies show heat leaches BPA from plastic. Seek out BPA-free cans, or adjust your diet to include more fresh foods. Subscribe to one of our newsletters to stay informed on the most up-to-date research and news. Subscribe here.

Ask these questions Why are we not properly testing BPA and other chemicals that interfere with our hormones? Why allow the blood of most Americans to be tainted with chemicals tied to birth defects, obesity, diabetes, and reproductive problems? Frank Pallone, D-N. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. Brett P. Giroir, acting commissioner, U. Want to learn more about BPA? It's time now to take steps to change this.

GET IT! From our Newsroom. BPA can imitate our body's own hormones in a way that could be hazardous for health.

Babies and young children are said to be especially sensitive to the effects of BPA. The main risks are thought to occur from the ingestion of BPA through food and liquid contact with polycarbonate containers as well as linings of food and drink containers as well as the lining of water pipes with epoxy resin.

Perhaps anticipating moves against BPA in the future manufacturers are developing safer replacements for use in plastics. What is it used for? Bisphenol A can sometimes be found as an antioxidant in flexible PVC. BPA in the Environment 'BPA can enter the environment either directly from chemical, plastics coat and staining manufacturers, from paper or material recycling companies, foundries who use BPA in casting sand, or indirectly leaching from plastic, paper and metal waste in landfills.