Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the component molecules of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or hardened plastic. We all know that PVC is everywhere. It is in the inner lining of soda cans, baby bottles, cups, microwavable bowls and many other plastic containers that are in our kitchen and cafeterias. Many cans of food contain BPA. When PVC plastic is heated or is in contact with hot liquids or food it then releases BPA.
BPA for a long time has been associated with the progression of some cancers. Now recently BPA has been in the news prominently. One group of researchers found that BPA, even at weak concentrations, such as in the normal usage of a plastic cup that is in contact with a cup of hot tea, is able to block the benefit of several chemotherapy agents on breast cancer cells. Because of this we realize that BPA is a friend to cancer.
In 2008 the National Toxicology Program recommended that BPA no longer be used in baby bottles, as well as recommended that limited quantities of BPA be released into the environment.
For that reason many of us are not using these hard plastic as much as we used to.
I encourage my patients who use the hard plastic type of water bottles, such as reusable sports bottles, to not let them bake in the sun in the back of their car.
Some doctors have recommended people use the softer plastic type of bottles that are found in mineral and spring waters at the store. These bottles are made of a chemical called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and do not contain BPA.
However ,new evidence is now showing that PET may not be safe either!
For more information on this please see my next blog post.
About Dr. Soram Khalsa
As an MD, Dr Soram specializes in Integrative Medicine combining diet, nutrition, acupuncture, herbs and nutrition. Visit Dr Soram’s Healthy Living Store where you’ll find high-quality nutritional supplements:
