BPA is a very common chemical found in plastics, food and beverage can linings, and other consumer products. BPA is one of the highest volume chemicals produced in the world; according to the Centers for Disease Control, 93% of us have it in our bodies. BPA mimics estrogen and, in animal studies, researchers have linked developmental exposure to BPA to reproductive harm, increased cancer susceptibility, and abnormalities in brain development.
China, Canada, the European Union, and many states have regulated BPA, yet the U.S. government has not restricted its use. There are alternatives to BPA, but manufacturers are not required to use them. In fact, current law does not require manufacturers to disclose whether or not their product contains BPA—leaving consumers in the dark.
Further reading:
- Factsheet: Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Meet the Chemicals: Meet Bisphenol A
- Washington Toxics Coalition Report: On the Money: BPA in Dollar Bills and Receipts
- Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Report: Toxic Chemicals: The Cost to Our Health
- Blog: Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to BPA
- Blog: Bride to BPA?
- Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Resources: Chemicals of Concern
