Why am I being warned about potential exposure to BPA?
- BPA is on the Proposition 65 list because it may harm the developing baby, and it may harm the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and eggs.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure to listed chemicals.
What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical used in a variety of plastics, resins, and coatings. Sources of exposure to BPA include:
- Some linings in metal food and drink cans, jar lids, and bottle caps.
- Polycarbonate plastic items: some water bottles, jugs for water dispensers, dishes, utensils, cookware, food storage containers, and electric kettles. Items made of this hard plastic often have recycle code 3 or 7.
- BPA may be present in baby bottles and sippy cups made before July 2012.
- Some polyvinyl chloride plastics (sometimes called PVC or vinyl), such as some plastic food wrap and vinyl gloves.
- Some thermal paper that has a glossy surface and is often used for receipts from cash registers, gas pumps, and automated teller machines (ATMs).
What are some ways that exposure to BPA can occur?
Image
How can I reduce my exposure to BPA?
- Store food and drinks in glass or stainless steel containers, rather than plastic ones.
- If you use polycarbonate plastic containers or tableware:
- Avoid using them for hot food and drinks.
- Avoid placing them in the microwave oven or the dishwasher.
- If you bottle-feed your infant, use glass bottles.
- Choose food and drinks that do not have Proposition 65 warnings for BPA, if possible.
- Choose more fresh food and less canned food, if possible.
- Minimize your exposure to thermal paper and dust.
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently with soap and water, especially before preparing food and before eating.
- Clean surfaces and floors regularly. Use a damp cloth, wet mop, or vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if possible.
- If your dentist recommends sealants or fillings, ask about BPA-free options.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
- Biomonitoring California
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Government of France
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) - European Union (EU)
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
Related Chemical(s)
References
Chemical