What Is BPA? Why You Should Avoid It at All Costs

What Is BPA? And Why You Should Avoid It at All Costs

If you’ve ever picked up a plastic water bottle, heated up leftovers in a plastic container, or cracked open a can of soup, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered BPA, short for Bisphenol A.

It’s one of those chemicals most people have heard of, but not everyone fully understands. It’s an endocrine-disrupting chemical linked to a growing list of health concerns, and avoiding it is one of the easiest ways you can protect your long-term health.

Understanding environmental health risks, like BPA exposure, is essential for both consumers and future healthcare providers. Programs such as the TWU online nurse practitioner program emphasize the importance of preventive health education and evidence-based decision-making.

In this article, we’ll walk through what BPA actually is, why experts are concerned about it, and how you can dramatically reduce your daily exposure.

What Is BPA?

BPA is a synthetic industrial chemical that’s been used since the 1950s to make two major types of materials:

• Polycarbonate plastics which are hard, clear, and often used for water bottles, food containers, and some kitchenware.
• Epoxy resins which coat the inside of metal food cans, jar lids, and even some water supply pipes.

Unfortunately, BPA doesn’t stay locked inside these plastics and resins. It can leak into food, drinks, and whatever else those materials come into contact with, especially when heated or scratched.

Because these materials are used in so many everyday products, BPA has become a high production volume (HPV) chemical, that is, produced (or imported) in massive quantities, leading to frequent exposure to people and environments.

Why BPA’s Endocrine-Disrupting Effects Are So Dangerous

The biggest reason BPA has attracted so much concern is that it behaves like a hormone, specifically estrogen, inside the human body. That makes it an endocrine disruptor, a chemical that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

Your endocrine system is responsible for producing and regulating hormones, which in turn influence everything from growth, metabolism, and sexual development to stress responses and sleep cycles. When a chemical imitates or interferes with normal hormonal signals, even in tiny amounts, it can throw sensitive biological processes off balance.

Research has shown that BPA can:

• Bind to estrogen receptors, acting like a fake hormone.
• Alter the way the body responds to real hormones.
• Affect hormone signaling, even potentially at low doses.

Since hormones guide development (especially during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood), endocrine disruptors pose unique risks during these sensitive life stages.

Major Health Risks Linked to BPA Exposure

Scientists and public health agencies have been studying BPA for decades, and evidence continues to accumulate about its concerning effects. Some of the key health risks associated with BPA exposure include:

Effects on the Fetal and Child Brain

BPA can cross the placenta, meaning fetuses are directly exposed when a pregnant person comes into contact with it. Research has linked prenatal BPA exposure with changes in brain development, behavior, and learning. Even small disruptions to hormonal signaling during early development can have long-lasting consequences.

Prostate Gland Changes

BPA appears to influence the developing prostate gland, particularly during fetal development and infancy, potentially raising long-term risks for prostate issues later in life.

Potential Metabolic Effects

Studies have found associations between BPA exposure and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Since hormones help regulate metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, it’s no surprise that an endocrine disruptor like BPA could interfere with these systems.

Cardiovascular Concerns

Some research suggests that BPA may play a role in high blood pressure and heart disease. While this area is still being studied, early evidence points to potential cardiovascular risks that shouldn’t be ignored.

Reproductive System Damage

BPA’s estrogen-mimicking effects raise concerns for the reproductive health of both men and women. Studies have noted potential impacts on fertility, sperm quality, and reproductive development.

Exposure

Perhaps one of the most unsettling aspects of BPA is that almost everyone is exposed to it daily. It’s been detected in human urine, blood, and even breast milk. And because the chemical doesn’t stay bound to the plastic or can linings, we’re consuming it whether we realize it or not.

Reducing BPA Exposure

While BPA may seem unavoidable, the truth is that you have more control than you think. With a few simple shifts in your habits and purchasing decisions, you can significantly cut down on BPA in your daily life.

Here are the most effective strategies:

Stop Heating Food in Plastic

This is one of the most important changes you can make. Heat dramatically increases BPA leaching, so avoid microwaving food in plastic, even if the container claims to be microwave-safe. Use glass or ceramic for heating instead.

Be aware that plastic containers that are cloudy, scratched, or worn down are more likely to leach chemicals, including BPA.

Look for BPA-Free Labels

While not perfect, choosing products labeled “BPA-free” is a meaningful step. Pay special attention to: water bottles, baby bottles, food storage containers, reusable travel mugs, pitchers, and kitchenware.

The recycling symbol code numbers “3” and “7” often indicate polycarbonate plastic, which can contain BPA.

Some BPA-free plastics may still contain similar chemicals (like BPS or BPF), which are less studied but may carry their own risks. For long-term use, prioritize glass, stainless steel, and high-quality ceramics or porcelain.

Choose Fresh, Frozen, or Jarred Instead of Canned Foods

Since most can linings are made with BPA-based epoxy resins, canned foods are one of the biggest sources of dietary exposure. A growing number of brands offer BPA-free cans, but the labeling can be inconsistent. Whenever possible, opt for foods packaged in glass jars, fresh produce, or frozen vegetables and fruits.

Small Changes, Large Impact

By understanding what BPA is and how it affects the body, you can take meaningful, manageable steps to reduce your exposure.

Thankfully, the shift doesn’t require expensive products or a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent changes will add up and make a difference to your health long-term.