Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used chemical that could cause harmful health effects.
BPA chemical is found in hard, shatterproof, clear plastic (of any colour), known as "polycarbonate plastic." It can also be found in the lining of metal food cans. As of 2009, the sale, importation and advertisement of baby bottles containing BPA is prohibited in Canada.
Most people are exposed to low levels of BPA. The health risk is generally low. However, newborns and young children could be exposed to higher levels, close to the level where health effects could occur.
How could my family and I be exposed?
You could be exposed to BPA by eating food or drinking liquids from containers made with BPA. This is because the chemical leaches (gets release) from the containers over time. Greater leaching occurs when the container is exposed to heat (e.g., from boiling water).
These food and beverage containers could contain BPA:
- metal food cans (e.g., cans of infant formula)
- hard, reusable plastic baby bottles
- hard, reusable plastic water/drinking bottles
- hard, reusable plastic tableware
- large water cooler bottles
These other products could also contain BPA:
- dental sealants
- eyeglass lenses
- electronics
- medical devices
- pains and adhesives
- compact disks (CDs)
- automotive parts
- receipts (e.g., from cash registers and banking terminals)
BPA is not a natural chemical, but it has been found in air, water, soil and dust.
What are the health effects?
Most people are exposed to low levels of BPA. The health risk is generally low. However, newborns and young children could be exposed to higher levels, close to the level where health effects could occur.
Exposure to BPA may affect or interfere with:
- hormonal systems
- neurological (nervous system) development
- behavioural development
- reproductive development
How can I protect myself and my family?
To protect yourself and your family from BPA:
- Avoid drinking and eating hot liquids or foods from containers made of polycarbonate plastic
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. Use glass dishes instead.
- Buy fresh or frozen food whenever possible.
- If buying plastic food or beverage containers, look for containers marked with a 2, 4 or 5 (usually found on the bottom or on the label). Plastic marked with a 7 is acceptable, as long as it is labelled “BPA-free.”
To protect your baby or young child:
- Avoid using polycarbonate plastic baby bottles. Instead, use glass bottles or alternative plastic bottles (marked with a 2, 4 or 5; or marked with a 7 with a “BPA-free” label).
- Replace plastic bottles that are cracked or look cloudy.
- Even if plastic bottles are in good condition, replace them every five to six months.
- If using toddler sippy-cups made of polycarbonate plastic (as these have not been banned in Canada), avoid using them for hot food or liquids.
You can dispose of polycarbonate containers in the garbage. They are not recyclable in the Region of Peel’s blue box program.
Resources and links
- Health Canada – BPA information
- Children’s Health and the Environment – A collection of resources on health risks of BPA and safer alternatives
- Call the Government of Canada’s Substances Management Information line at 1-800-567-1999 for more information
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