Finally I found a tidbit of information that many of you may be interested in. According to an article posted today on Science Daily "BPA has a short half-life, Peretz said, and the chemical is quickly eliminated from the body. The fact that so many people tested positive "probably means that we're being constantly exposed to BPA," she said.
Why is this good news? It's good because we can get rid of the source and BPA exposure will be limited. It does not remain in your body.
Eliza Martinez also recently wrote about her concerns about BPA and stated "There are many ways to stay safe, the first being avoid plastics with the 7 or 3 on them...Never microwave your baby's formula in plastic or glass as this can cause hot spots that can burn the baby. A better idea is just to use warm water either from the tap or a water filtration device."
Be diligent about looking at the numbers on food containers. Recently I was going through the items in my fridge and discovered that Hellmans Mayo may be "real" but it's served up in a #7 squeeze bottle. Also the orange juice I love will no longer be in my fridge now that I realized it too was a #7.
Here is a quick list of ways to reduce your families BPA exposure from the National Toxicology Program BPA Fact Sheet:
• Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. BPA is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from repeated use at high temperatures.
• Avoid plastic containers with the #7 on the bottom http://www.recyclenow.org/r_plastics.html
• Don’t wash polycarbonate plastic containers in the dishwasher with harsh detergents.
• Reduce your use of canned foods. Eat fresh or frozen foods.
• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
• Use infant formula bottles that are BPA free and look for toys that are labeled BPA-free.
You may have also read recently that recycled pizza boxes, toilet paper and credit card reciepts all contain BPA so as consumers you will have a hard time completely eliminating it but you can start with some of the most common sources and advocate for healthier options.
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For complete Science Daily article, visit http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708101306.htm
For Eliza Martinez's article from Examiner.com at http://www.examiner.com/x-14161-Denver-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner~y2009m7d8-BPA-bottles-and-should-we-be-worried
BPA Fact Sheet : http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/docs/bpa-factsheet.pdf