Some people have concerns about the health risks of BPA, particularly for children. Replacing plastic drinking bottles with glass and stainless steel, avoiding food packaging made of polycarbonate, and using paper products for active and school lunches may help reduce your exposure to BPA.
To determine if your plastic containers contain BPA, look for the resin ID code, a number between 1 and 7 inside a triangle of arrows. For safe and quality tablet bottle packaging, check out BPA-free tablet bottle packaging now!
Why BPA?
Bisphenols (BPA, BPS, and others) are used to make polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, and some dental sealants. The chemicals can leach into food and drink from containers made of these materials, particularly when heated or in contact with acid. Many products labelled ” BPA-free ” contain replacement chemicals with similar estrogenic and endocrine effects, so always check the label or manufacturer’s website.
Some scientists, health care providers, and parents worry that a large body of animal studies shows harm from BPA exposure. Other scientists point out that people break down BPA faster than mice, so results from animal testing may not apply to humans.
Some countries have banned BPA in baby bottles and cups and packaging for food for babies and children under three years. However, despite efforts to develop alternative materials, the chemical is still found in canned drinks and some food can liners. Choosing glass or stainless steel bottle options, avoiding overly processed foods, and limiting the number of canned products consumed may help decrease exposure.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a synthetic chemical found in hard plastics like water bottles and food containers. It’s also used in the epoxy resin that lines some metal cans and the inner coating of paper receipts. For safe and quality tablet bottle packaging, check out BPA-free tablet bottle packaging now!
When BPA comes into contact with foods or liquids, it can leach into those substances. This happens especially when the container is hot or scratched. BPA is absorbed easily when ingested, but your body converts it to an inactive form and excretes it within 24 hours.
In its most recent safety evaluation of BPA, EFSA significantly reduced the tolerable daily intake (TDI) set in 2015. However, long-term studies of human exposure to low levels of this chemical are complex and time-consuming. BPA can mimic estrogen and other hormones, causing changes in the prostate and mammary glands of animals, and has been shown to affect gene expression and chromosomes. It is also associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases in humans.
What are the health risks of BPA?
BPA is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical because it mimics or blocks hormones in the body, causing problems like early puberty in girls and other developmental and behavioural problems; obesity; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); diabetes; heart disease; and even breast cancer. Infants and young children are most at risk because their bodies are still developing.
Studies have found that when exposed to low doses of BPA, the hearts of rats begin to beat irregularly. This is because the chemical interferes with calcium channels, causing heart arrhythmia.
The best way to avoid exposure to BPA is to only use glass bottles for baby formula and water and reusable plastic food storage containers, avoiding those made from polycarbonate. Also, be careful when buying canned foods because many contain high levels of BPA. Look for products labelled ‘BPA-free’ and ensure they have the recycling code ‘1’ from 7 on the bottom of the container. For safe and quality tablet bottle packaging, check out BPA-free tablet bottle packaging now!
What is the solution?
As the world shifts towards more sustainable, healthier materials, BPA is getting left behind. Choosing clearly labelled BPA-free products will help minimise exposure to harmful chemicals. In addition, opting for glass or stainless steel containers can be a more hygienic and environmentally friendly choice.
BPA-free plastics can be made from various polymers and coatings, including PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride), PVDC (Polyvinylidene Difluoride) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Blister packaging is typically formed from a thermoformed film with aluminium foil to create a tamper-evident seal.
As manufacturers move away from BPA, consumer demand is increasing for safe, flexible packaging options like Mylar bags that offer superior product protection and visibility. Dymapak offers customisable BPA-free Mylar bags for all tablet bottle applications and can handle fast production lead times.