The Surprising Sources Of BPA Exposure

BPA exposure is widespread. BPA is found in 93 percent of the US population at levels so high, no wonder it causes health problems. Educate yourself on the common sources of this chemical to greatly reduce your own levels as well as your family members.

Canned Foods.

Most aluminum cans we buy from the store are coated with BPA films that migrate into the contents of the can. In 2011, a study was conducted by the US food and Drug Administration that took BPA concentrations in 78 canned and frozen food products from the US. They found no traces of BPA exposure in the frozen foods but 71 of the 78 canned foods contained BPA. Even though the concentrations varied, all types of food and beverages contained BPA. From Campbell’s soups to Whole Foods brand organic coconut milk.

Soda And Beer Cans.

Wow! Out of 72 canned drinks that have been tested in a recent study, including diet soda, regular soda, fruit flavored beverages, and energy drinks, 69 contained BPA. Consuming soda with significantly raise the level of BPA exposure in your body, but contain far less than canned foods.

Water Bottles

(Polycarbonate Plastic #7). Water and soda are bottled in flexible bottles made out of polyethylene terephthalate. Luckily, this plastic doesn’t leach BPA or contain it. Polycarbonate reusable water bottles (marked with #7) are another story. These bottles cause BPA to migrate from these containers and into the beverage or food. A study from Harvard University tested college students for one week who drank out of polycarbonate bottles and had 69% more BPA found in their bodies.

Fast Food.

BPA has been detected at numerous fast food chains and many exceeded the levels in the canned goods. Researchers from University of California studied hundreds of pregnant women; studies found that in addition to soda, hamburgers consumed were a contributor to the women’s BPA levels. These women specifically, had 58% higher amounts of BPA, than the 20% of women who consumed no hamburgers or sodas.

Yes. Even the smooth, carbonless paper receipt you get from a cashier after you make a purchase contains BPA. It’s not like we’re talking small amounts. These sizable amounts can absorb through your skin or consumed when you eat. A study conducted among pregnant women in various occupations found that cashiers had the highest amount of BPA levels.