What exactly is BPA? In scientific terms, it is an organic compound that contains two bound phenols. Phenol, by itself, is a crystalline solid that is considered toxic and has a moderate solubility in water.  It comes to no surprise then, why both the science community and the public have questioned the hazardous possibilities of BPA.
 
Not all plastics contain this potentially harmful chemical, however. A number 1 through 7 identifies plastics, and the only ones that contain BPA are numbers 3 and 7.  #3 plastics are used mostly in industrial environments and don’t affect the general population. Plastic #7, however, is common in the life of an average consumer, appearing in hard plastic water bottles, baby bottles, water coolers, the lining in aluminum food and beverage cans, and plastic food storage containers. It’s important to be aware that not all food storage containers have the #7 on the bottom of the containers. Consumer purchased hard plastic and stain-resistant food storage containers, even those of a leading brand, may contain BPA . There are alternatives out there such as biodegradable, compostable, or glass containers that are BPA-free, so do your research if you are unsure if your leftovers are sitting in the chemical. BPA can leach into the food or liquid that is contained, and proceeds to enter the body, causing certain health concerns.
 
The groups at the highest risks of being affected are fetuses, children under three, women trying to conceive, and expectant mothers. Others are at risk as well. There is evidence that BPA can potentially affect the prostate gland, brain, and behavior development or lead to obesity, a miscarriage and insulin resistance.
 
Science is not the only sector that is raising concern about this perilous plastic. Currently, California, Connecticut, and Chicago are pushing legislation that would pose a ban on the use of BPA in food and beverage containers. On a larger scale, the U.S. Congress is looking to push a bill that would pose a similar ban.
 
Regardless of where you live, and assuming you do not want to wait for federal legislation to come into effect, there are things you can do to avoid BPA plastics.

· Avoid BPA by breastfeeding. In addition to evading BPA, breastfeeding provides additional benefits such as reduction in asthma, obesity, diabetes, and SIDS in the child as well as type II diabetes, postpartum depression, and breast cancer in the mother.

· Use glass bottles, plastic bag inserts, or opaque polypropylene bottles – all  great alternatives – If you prefer bottle feeding your baby.  Some mothers do prefer formula, and there are other options to the typical plastic baby bottles. Also, use formulas that do not come in aluminum containers.

· Use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel as opposed to plastic food storage containers or water bottles. If this is not doable, at the very least stay away from heating food in plastics as this increases the prospects of leaching.
 
· Avoid canned foods. Purchase the fresh or frozen alternatives as much as possible.
 
By making these small changes to your lifestyle, you will reduce your exposure to BPA By making informed consumer choices, you can accelerate the legislative process. Your health, the health of your family, and Mother Earth will thank you.