A recent study performed at the University of California, Los Angeles shows that plastic products advertising as being BPA-free may not actually be a safer alternative.
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical used to harden plastic. It has been shown to cause problems in reproductive and brain development, resulting in problems such as early puberty and breast and prostate cancer. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of BPA in infant formula packaging, baby bottles, and sippy cups. Bisphenol S (BPS) has emerged as a substitute.
The study, headed by reproductive endocrinologist Nancy Wayne, examined how BPS impacted zebra fish embryos. Zebra fish have been used for similar studies because the transplant embryos allow scientists to monitor cell growth. During the study, the zebra fish were exposed to low levels of BPA and BPS in order to evaluate how each chemical impacted brain cells and genes related to reproduction.
The results showed that BPS impacted the zebra fish in ways that were similar to BPA. Both chemicals caused accelerated embryonic development, and both affected the thyroid hormone system. BPA additionally resulted in premature birth.
This study points out that BPS may not be without its own risks, and that consumers shouldn’t necessarily assume that a product is safe because it is labeled as BPA free.
BPA is still found in items such as plastic food containers, water bottles, and eyeglass lenses, while BPS is common in items such as toothpaste, lotion, makeup, and some paper products, like airplane boarding tickets.
If you are concerned about BPA or BPS, opting for products made of ceramic, stainless steel, and glass, when possible, are good alternatives.
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