Who wants to wait around while the FDA continues to explore the evidence on whether the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) may be harmful, especially when there’s evidence that this known endocrine disruptor used in plastics actually leaches into foods and liquids when heated? And especially when BPA is suspected of modifying our reproductive health and raising cancer risks?

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, part of the National Institutes of Health), reports that there’s “some concern” regarding BPA exposure for pregnant women, fetuses, infants and children because BPA can affect behavior and the brain, the prostate gland and mammary gland. It can also affect the age at which girls reach puberty.

In April, the NIEHS heightened concern about BPA in adults, saying it “may” affect human development, particularly early onset of puberty, may create problems with the prostate, may promote the development of breast cancer and is linked to behavioral problems from early-life exposures.

While Congress has yet to issue a recall on products made from BPA (they’ve demanded that the FDA produce the evidence around its supposed safety), Canada has already labeled it a dangerous substance, and many retailers, including Walmart, are phasing out products with BPA in them—baby bottles in particular. If you’ve been around plastic, you’ve been exposed to BPA: In 2003 to 2004, a survey conducted by the CDC found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of people ages six and older, largely from the chemical leaching into food and water from plastic containers, lids and cooking utensils.

BPA is in polycarbonate plastics, including food and drink containers (water and infant bottles), compact discs and impact-resistant safety equipment like medical devices. It’s also in the epoxy resins used to coat metal products such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply pipes. Until the evidence about BPA is definitive, avoid BPA as much as possible with these strategies:


Don’t microwave in polycarbonate plastic food containers (or any plastics for that matter). Cook and heat foods or liquids in glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers.

Avoid containers, especially baby bottles, with the number 7 on the bottom. Buy BPA-free baby bottles and water bottles: Nalgene and Camelbak have both introduced BPA-free options. Know your recycling numbers: Plastics with the numbers 1, 2 and 4 are BPA free.

Avoid or limit canned foods, especially packaged in plastic containers and other packaging options for foods and liquids. Opt for powdered formula or liquid infant formula in cans. Double-check your metal water bottles, as many contain plastic liners. Use stainless steel water bottles that are liner-free.

Skip plastic wraps. Bring on the CorningWare and other non-plastic-lidded glass dishes; use bowls and plates as lids for dishes when heating in a microwave.

Keep plastics out of the dishwasher. Wash all plastics by hand or—better yet—don’t use them at all.

Sources: NIEHS; Environmental Working Group