Bisphenol A (BPA)
Why am I being warned about potential exposure to bisphenol A?
- Bisphenol A is on the Proposition 65 list because it can harm the female reproductive system, including effects on ovaries and eggs.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposures to listed chemicals.
What is bisphenol A?
- BPA is a widely used chemical. Sources of exposure to BPA include:
- Some linings that prevent rust, corrosion, and contamination in metal food and drink cans, jar lids, and bottle caps. Click here for a list of canned and bottled foods where the can lining or bottle cap or seal was made using BPA.
- Polycarbonate (PC) plastic items such as some water bottles, water cooler bottles, dishes and utensils, cookware, food storage containers, and electric kettles.
- Items made of this hard plastic often have the recycle code “7”, “3”, or “PC”.
- Some polyvinyl chloride plastics (sometimes called PVC or vinyl), such as some plastic food wrap and some vinyl gloves.
- Some thermal paper, which has a glossy surface and is often used for receipts such as from cash registers, gas pumps, and ATMs.
How does exposure to bisphenol A occur?
How can I reduce my exposure to bisphenol A?
- Store food and liquids in glass or stainless steel rather than plastic containers.
- Avoid using polycarbonate plastic containers and tableware for hot food or drinks.
- Avoid microwaving polycarbonate plastic containers.
- Avoid washing polycarbonate plastic containers in the dishwasher.
- If you bottle-feed your infant, use glass bottles.
- Eat more fresh food and less canned food, if possible.
- Because BPA can get on your hands after touching some receipts, or coming in contact with BPA-containing dust, wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently with soap and water, especially before preparing food and eating.
- Because BPA can be present in dust, reduce dust in your home by dusting and cleaning your floors regularly with a wet mop or a vacuum 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 BPA Fact Sheets and Resources:
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- National Toxicology Program (NTP)
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Biomonitoring California
- The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES)
- Assessment of the Health Risks of Bisphenol A (updated 09/04/2013)
- 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 Chemical List
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
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- Food
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