Bisphenol A, also known by the acronym BPA, is a widely used compound for making polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and is commonly used in containers to store food bottles, water and soft drinks and in cans. In contact with very hot foods or when placed in the microwave, bisphenol A in plastic contaminates food and ends up being consumed with food.
In addition to being present in food packaging, bisphenol is also found in plastic toys, cosmetics and thermal paper. Excessive consumption of this substance has been linked to increased risks of diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, but large amounts of bisphenol are required to have these health losses.
- To identify products containing bisphenol A.
- The presence of numbers 3 or 7 on the plastic recycling symbol on the packaging should be indicated.
- As these figures indicate that the material is made of bisphenol.
The most widely used plastic products containing bisphenol are kitchen utensils such as plastic bottles, plates and containers, and they are also present in CDs, medical utensils, toys and household appliances.
Therefore, to avoid excessive contact with this substance, it is necessary to use objects without bisphenol A. Check out some tips on how to avoid bisphenol A.
The maximum amount allowed to consume bisphenol A is 4 mcg/kg per day to avoid health damage. However, the average daily consumption of infants and children is 0. 875 mcg/kg, while the average of adults is 0. 388 mcg/kg, demonstrating that regular population consumption poses no health risk. .
However, even if the risk of negative effects of bisphenol A is very low, it is important to avoid excessive consumption of products containing bisphenol A to prevent disease.