At their annual meeting in Washington DC this week, leaders of the Endocrine Society called for better studies examining the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on human health and expressed concern about the growing body of evidence suggesting a link between BPA and health problems.

According to society leaders, at the meeting several scientists will present data showing links between BPA and problems with endocrine system functioning. Of note will be data from animal studies presented at the meeting that indicates a link between BPA exposure and heart problems in females and BPA exposure and altered DNA functioning.

Over the past year large population-based studies have been published showing a link between BPA exposure and increased rates of heart disease and diabetes. Previous research has shown a link between BPA exposure and obesity and BPA exposure and endocrine abnormalities in women and infants. BPA is an endocrine disrupter and as such, it is able to mimic a bodies own hormones.

Consumers can avoid BPA exposure by consuming beverages from glassware and stainless steel bottles and by using glass or metal containers for food storage and ceramic or glass containers for microwave heating. Avoiding certain plastic wraps during storage and heating can also reduce BPA exposure levels.

Using BPA free plastics is especially important for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, babies, and young children given data suggesting an increased risk of associated health effects for these groups.

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What's In This Stuff?: The Hidden Toxins in Everyday Products - and What You Can Do About Them

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Buy a stainless steel water bottle - or two, three ...

"Having some of these around will prevent you from buying the small plastic water bottles. You will avoid the BPA exposure and do the planet a favor. Prices range from about $10 to $40. Amazon.com has pretty good prices but you can pick them up just about anywhere."

 

Make sure you have plenty of non plastic food containers. around

"Having glass storage containers around is your insurance policy against heating things up in plastics which can leach BPA.  Again, Amazon.com has pretty good darn prices on these but you can pick up sets at Target, Walmart etc... ."