Bisphenol A (BPA)  What is BPA Where is BPA Found How Does BPA Get Into the Body Tips for Reducing Exposure What is Being Done About BPA Additional Information

What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical that is used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.

Where is BPA Found?

BPA is the building block for polycarbonate, a hard plastic used to make compact discs, eyeglass lenses, drinking glasses, water bottles, and baby bottles.  The inside of many metal food cans are coated with a lacquer that contains BPA.

How Does BPA Get Into the Body?

Most exposure comes from our diet.  When cans and polycarbonate bottles contain BPA, some gets into food and drinks.

Tips for Reducing Exposure

Almost everyone in the United States is exposed to some BPA from their diet.  If you are concerned about BPA, here are some ways to limit your family's exposure.

• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers.

• Use fewer canned foods. Eat fresh or frozen foods or items packaged in cardboard "brick" cartons.

• Switch to glass, porcelain or stainless-steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.

• Use baby bottles that are BPA-free.

What is Being Done About BPA?

• Some baby formula manufacturers are working to package their formula in BPA-free containers.

• Some major retailers will stop selling baby bottles that contain BPA.

• At least one manufacturer will phase out production of polycarbonate water bottles.

• Scientists are continuing to refine their studies of BPA to evaluate toxicity and exposure.

Additional Information

• Bisphenol A (BPA) Fact Sheet (PDF 4MB), Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program

For more information, contact Jim White at 1-877-485-7316