BPA Cans
Bisphenol A: Sex Hormone in a Can?
High levels of Bisphenol A have been found in canned foods, beer cans and soda cans. Studies have found BPA in the lining of canned food and drink. Canned goods are lined with an epoxy coating that is made with Bisphenol A. BPA can mimic estrogen – a powerful hormone. Bisphenol A has been linked to obesity, breast cancer and early puberty. There appears to be higher levels of BPA in canned food and beverages than there is in plastic water bottles and there are currently no standards or regulations on BPA. Companies are allowed to put Bisphenol A in anything and this increases our exposure to industrial chemicals.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the elements used in the chemical make up of plastic. This substance is used to harden plastic and has been the subject of many health concerns. BPA is prone to leach into the food and water contained in plastic containers. Heat accelerates this process. BPA disrupts hormonal, genetic and physical development. Leach proof materials include stainless steel, ceramic and glass.
BPA Health Risks
Researchers have linked BPA to a number of serious health conditions. These include breast cancer, prostate cancer and uterine cancer. Further possible health conditions include asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
How to Avoid BPA Canned Food
- Ban BPA – Don’t buy from companies that are using BPA. Push for Government regulation of this industrial chemical.
- Cook Your Meals – Cook fresh foods instead of simply heating things up. Keep BPA out of our food.
- Protect Children – Protect developing children and babies from the harmful effects of BPA. Stay away from canned baby formula and choose BPA free toys. Choose BPA free baby formula cans.
- Choose Bottles – Start buying bottles instead of cans. This will help to minimize your exposure to BPA.
- Buy BPA Free Cans – BPA Free Cans are starting to hit the market. Choose brands like Eden Foods and Trader Joes. BPA food and tin cans need regulation.
- BPA Free Tomato Cans – Canned tomatoes are highly acidic and, therefore, accelerate the leaching of BPA. Choose fresh tomatoes or BPA free tomato cans.
- Choose BPA-Free Beer and Soda – BPA Beer Cans? Instead, choose bottled beverages instead of cans.
Companies will have to start finding ways to produce canned foods without bpa. The plastic lining in cans is a health risk – companies need to find a BPA replacement for cans.
Current companies with BPA-free cans include:
- Eden Organic
- Vital Choice
- Oregon’s Choice
- Wild Planet
- Eco Fish
- Trader Joe’s
- Native Forest
- Native Factor
Read More: Plastic Alternatives
