Bisphenol A, also known by the acronym BPA, is a compound widely used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and is commonly used in containers to store food, water and soft drinks bottles and in canned food cans. However, when these containers come into contact with very hot foods or when they are placed in the microwave, the bisphenol A present in the plastic contaminates the food and ends up being consumed with the food.
In addition to being present in food packaging, bisphenol can also be found in plastic toys, cosmetic products and thermal paper. Excessive consumption of this substance has been linked to higher risks of diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, but large amounts of bisphenol are needed to have these health losses.
How to identify Bisphenol A in packaging
To identify products containing bisphenol A, the presence of numbers 3 or 7 on the plastic recycling symbol should be noted on the packaging, as these numbers represent that the material was made using bisphenol.
The most used plastic products that contain bisphenol are kitchen utensils such as baby bottles, plates and plastic containers, and are also present on CDs, medical utensils, toys and appliances.
So, to avoid excessive contact with this substance, one should prefer to use objects that are free of bisphenol A. See some tips on How to avoid bisphenol A.
Allowable amount of Bisphenol A
The maximum amount allowed to consume bisphenol A is 4 mcg / kg per day to avoid harm to health. However, the average daily consumption of babies and children is 0.875 mcg / kg, while the average for adults is 0.388 mcg / kg, showing that the population's usual consumption does not pose health risks.
However, even if the risks of the negative effects of bisphenol A are very small, it is still important to avoid excessive consumption of products containing this substance in order to prevent diseases.
