Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is an organic compound which is usually seen in polycarbonate plastic compounds and epoxies. It is a very strong compound which is highly durable. Therefore it is used in the making of items like plastic bottles, baby feeders etc.
The extensive use of BPA started in the 1930's. It was introduced as a substitute for estrogen. The organic compound of BPA is subjected to certain chemical reactions before using it. This is to increase the durability of the product.
Studies done on BPA revealed that it has got toxins which can harmfully affect the human body, especially the endocrine system. Biologists gave it another name, 'endocrine disrupter.' The major effect of the toxin is seen in the infants since feeding bottles contain BPA. Studies have found out that the compound adversely affects the normal brain development of a kid.
The most common things in which BPA is an ingredient are water bottles, baby bottles, lining of canned foods and even the dental sealant which is used by dentists in preventing tooth decays. Lack of awareness is the major problem here. People who use these products are not aware of the fact that what they use is toxic. By the time they realize what the cause of their troubles is, it will be too late.
The best way to avoid using BPA free products are to buy things from a BPA-free vendor. They give you stuff which are risk free. There are many alternatives for BPA. Materials of stainless steel, BPA free plastics, glass etc can substitute BPA products. There is a boom in BPA-free product market as people are getting more aware of the dangers of using BPA products. We can all wish that in the near future more people will be aware of this danger and work towards the eradication of BPA products from the markets.
