What is BPA?

In modern life, plastic has become an indispensable part. From food containers, water bottles to the lining inside metal cans, plastic is everywhere. However, inside these familiar products, there is a hidden danger that not everyone knows about – that is BPA (Bisphenol A).

What is BPA? Harmful effects and how to prevent to protect health

BPA is a synthetic chemical compound widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Although it has been around since the 1960s, scientific research is only now beginning to shed light on the effects of BPA on human health. Many experts warn that BPA can affect the endocrine system, reproductive health, and is even linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

So, what exactly is BPA? How does it affect our bodies? And how can we minimize the risks from BPA? Let's find out. Let’s explore this with Dr. Nguyen Giap in the article below learn in detail through this article.

What products contain BPA?

BPA is widely used in the plastics industry and is present in many everyday products, including:

1. Plastic bottles and food containers
   • Many types of water bottles, food containers and baby bottles ago containing BPA in the plastic component of polycarbonate.
   • When carrying hot food or reheat in the microwave, BPA can dissolve into the food.
2. Box of canned food
   • The inner lining of the metal box usually contains epoxy resins are BPA, helps protect the food from direct contact with metal.
   • However, over time, BPA can leach into food, especially food like acidic canned tomatoes.
3. Paper thermal receipt printers
   • Purchase invoices, receipts, ATM usage type thermal paper may contain BPA, while regular exposure, BPA can penetrate through the skin.
4. Some household items other
   • DVD, eyewear, children's toys, even some kind of water pipe may also contain BPA.

How to BPA enters the body

BPA can enter the body in many different ways in which the most common are:

• Through food and drink: When food contact with plastic contains BPA, especially at high temperatures, BPA can dissolve into the food.
• Exposure through the skin: When holding thermal receipt, BPA can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream.
• Inhalation from the environment: BPA can evaporate in the air, especially in the area of plastic production.

Harmful effects of BPA on health

Affect the endocrine system: 

BPA is a substance that causes hormonal disorders because of the ability to imitate the hormone estrogen. When entering the body, it can lose balance hormones, affect many physiological processes important.

Affect reproductive health

• In males, BPA can reduce the quality of sperm, affect fertility.
• In females, BPA can cause menstrual disorders, increased risk of suffering from the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• For pregnant women, exposure to BPA may increase the risk of miscarriage or affect the development of the fetus.

The risk of chronic disease

• A number of studies have shown the relationship between BPA with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
• BPA is also said to be related to obesity, so it can alter the process of fat metabolism in the body.

Affect the kids and the fetus

• Children whose immune system is not complete, so it is easily affected by BPA.
• Research indicates that BPA can impact the brain development of the child, increases the risk of early puberty.

Controversial science and regulations on BPA

• Although there are many studies pointing out the harmful effects of BPA, but there are mixed opinions, some medical organizations, including the FDA (Administration food and drug administration United States) and WHO (The world health organization), are still considering the level of real influence of BPA.
• Many countries such as Canada, the European union has banned BPA in baby bottles. In Vietnam, the Ministry of health also had strict rules about the use of BPA in products in contact with food.

How to minimize exposure to BPA and should use BPA FREE

To protect the health, you can perform the following measures:

1. Select products “BPA-Free”When buying water bottles, plastic containers or utensils for baby, check the label “BPA-Free”.
2. Limit your use of plastic as food containers nóngL 't tolerate hot food in plastic containers and avoid using a microwave oven with the plastic box is not safe.
3. Reduce contact with thermal receipt
   • Limit hold paper bills in the heat or wash your hands after contact.
4. Use alternative products
   • Replace the plastic box, box glass, ceramic or stainless steel.
   • Prioritize fresh foods, limiting the toy box to avoid exposure to BPA from the lining of metal.

In Summary

BPA is a common chemical in everyday life, but its negative effects on health have been proven through many studies. Being aware of BPA, proactively changing your consumption habits and choosing safe products are the best ways to protect yourself and your family.

Although there is no official conclusion about the absolute danger level of BPA, prevention is always the optimal method. Start with small changes in your life, such as using glass water bottles instead of plastic ones, or choosing fresh foods instead of canned foods. With just a little attention, you can protect your health from potential risks from BPA.

Contact now to advise health clinic at DR Nguyen Giap according to the information below

• Hotline: 0909 886 054
• Map: https://g.co/kgs/iuwZLSV
• Aesthetic Association: ://www.hoithammy.org/index.php?m=tieu-chuan-1&id=1532
• What clinic: https://www.whatclinic.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city/phu-nhuan-district-ho-chi-minh/dr-nguyen-giap-aesthetic-surgery-center