Most of us have heard that Bisphenol A (BPA) is hazardous to our health.
We are told not to heat food in plastic containers or not to leave plastic water bottles in our hot cars. We are also told to buy canned goods that say “BPA Free”.
But what if I told you that you’re being exposed to it every time you shop at some of your favorite stores? Without your consent or knowledge. Sadly, it’s true.
First off, what is BPA exactly?
Bisphenol A is a synthetic estrogen that is used to make many plastic products such as children’s toys, plastic containers, etc. It is also commonly found in the lining of canned goods. Thankfully, the FDA banned its use in baby bottles and sippy cups back in 2012.
Why is BPA dangerous?
Many studies have linked BPA consumption to hyperactivity (1) reproductive disorders (2), sexual dysfunction (3), altered immune function (4), obesity (5) high blood pressure (6), coronary heart disease (7) and breast cancer (8) to name a few.
The most scary reality of BPA, in my opinion, is it’s ability to cross through the placenta to baby during pregnancy. (9)
The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2517 urine samples from people six years and older. It’s obvious that we are being exposed to this harmful chemical more than we think.
So what does this have to do with shopping at stores like Target?
Many stores use thermal receipt paper because it is fast and the ink doesn’t smudge. It is also coated in BPA 😡
Should we be concerned? It’s only a tiny piece of paper!
A study published in the journal JAMA found that people who continuously handle store receipts wind up with significantly elevated levels of bisphenol-A, more commonly known as BPA, in their urine. (10) Yikes!! Think about the employees!
There is even an active petition demanding that Target stop the use of BPA coated thermal receipt paper (11)
Earlier this year Trader Joe’s set out to switch all of their receipts to BPA free. Best Buy has already made the switch! Kudos!
Tips:
1. Opt for electronic receipts when given the option.
2. Skip the receipt altogether when not needed (and save some trees while you’re at it)
3. Don’t use alcohol based sanitizer as it dries out your hands and makes your more susceptible to BPA exposure.
4. Try to ensure your hands are dry as opposed to wet or greasy before handling receipt paper.
And I know guys, our environment is toxic and it can all be so overwhelming. My job is to give you the facts but ultimately you have to decide what balance is best for you are your family when it comes to toxin exposure.
I believe Leah Segedie says it best: “You have to decide how to be green enough to be healthy, yet chill enough to be happy”.
Leah Segedie is the author of Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!) Check out her Book here! https://amzn.to/2EImuTT
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.
Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/rel…/2013/08/130819162639.htm
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/abs/pii/S0960076011001063
3. http://www.oxfordjournals.org/news/dep381.pdf
4. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ad/2014/743616/
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/rel…/2013/08/130819162639.htm
6. Exposure to bisphenol A from drinking canned beverages increases blood pressure: randomized crossover trial. Bae S, Hong YC- Hypertension. 2015 Feb;65(2):313-9.
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2854784/
8. https://www.sciencedaily.com/rel…/2014/03/140306163359.htm
9. https://chemicalwatch.com/…/common-bpa-alternative-bps…
10. https://media.jamanetwork.com/…/continuous-handling-of…/