What is BPA and why should we avoid it in our day to day?

We have seen a lot in plastic-based products the symbol: BPA FREE. This indicates that it is a BPA free product. But what is BPA and why is it important for plastics to be released from such a component? Find out now! 

Bisphenol A also known as BPA is a diphenol, a compound used in the production of polycarbonate, a material present in most rigid and transparent plastics, as well as in the production of epoxy resin, which is part of the inner lining of cans that hold drinks and food.

The substance is banned in countries like Canada, Denmark and Costa Rica, but in Brazil it was used in the production of plastic bottles, baby bottles, baby cups and various plastic products, being banned only at the end of 2011.

The applications based on Bisphenol A, due to the properties conferred to the material by this substance, are many, among them are DVDs, computers, appliances, coatings for food and drink cans, and many plastic items, such as baby bottles, toys, disposable cutlery, between others. Small amounts of bisphenol A are also used as a color preparer in thermal papers (bank statements and vouchers).

 

The danger of BPA

In 1950, the NGO National Workgroup for Safe Markets analyzed about 50 types of food stored in rigid and semi-rigid plastic packaging and the result was frightening: Bisphenol A (BPA) was present in 92% of the packaging analyzed. However, since the 1930s, it is suspected that it is harmful to human health. But what are the health effects of BPA?

Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor that mimics the body's hormones and can cause negative health effects. Studies carried out in 2007 concluded that bisphenol A blocks thyroid hormone receptors, in addition to affecting brain development and the behavior of fetuses and babies, in addition to affecting sexual dimorphism in adults.

And the harms of BPA do not stop there: Hyperactivity, attention deficit, increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse, breast cancer, enlarged prostate, ovarian abnormalities, male sexual dysfunction, affecting the heart of women, abortion, prematurity, restriction to intrauterine growth and pre-eclampsia, impacts intestinal permeability and induction of asthma, are more risks that BPA brings to human health.

 

How can we avoid contact with BPA?

  • Always use baby bottles and glassware for babies;
  • Never heat or freeze drinks and food in plastic containers. O BPA and other types of bisphenols (as or more harmful) are released in greater quantities when the plastic container is heated or cooled;
  • Discard chipped or scratched plastic utensils. Do not use strong detergents, steel sponges or a dishwasher to wash plastic containers;
  • Whenever possible, opt for glass, porcelain and stainless steel when storing drinks and food;
  • Avoid the consumption of canned food and drinks, as bisphenol is used as an epoxy resin in the inner lining of cans;
  • Do not print extracts and vouchers. Give preference to digital versions, such as proof of debit by SMS, for example.

 

How to identify BPA on packaging

To identify products containing bisphenol A, it is important to note on the packaging the presence of number 7 (PC - polycarbonate) within the plastic recycling symbol (as shown in the image), as this number represents 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.

Remembering that all Alpfilm products are produced with PVC, nr 3 within the recycling symbol and within ANVISA standards for packaging in contact with food!

So trust Alpfilm to take better care of your health!