Why am I being warned about potential exposure to BPA?
- BPA is on the Proposition 65 list because it may harm the developing baby, and it may harm the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and eggs.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure to listed chemicals.
What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical used in a variety of plastics, resins, and coatings. Sources of exposure to BPA include:
- Some linings in metal food and drink cans, jar lids, and bottle caps.
- Polycarbonate plastic items: some water bottles, jugs for water dispensers, dishes, utensils, cookware, food storage containers, and electric kettles. Items made of this hard plastic often have recycle code 3 or 7.
- BPA may be present in baby bottles and sippy cups made before July 2012.
- Some polyvinyl chloride plastics (sometimes called PVC or vinyl), such as some plastic food wrap and vinyl gloves.
- Some thermal paper that has a glossy surface and is often used for receipts from cash registers, gas pumps, and automated teller machines (ATMs).
What are some ways that exposure to BPA can occur?
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How can I reduce my exposure to BPA?
- Store food and drinks in glass or stainless steel containers, rather than plastic ones.
- If you use polycarbonate plastic containers or tableware:
- Avoid using them for hot food and drinks.
- Avoid placing them in the microwave oven or the dishwasher.
- If you bottle-feed your infant, use glass bottles.
- Choose food and drinks that do not have Proposition 65 warnings for BPA, if possible.
- Choose more fresh food and less canned food, if possible.
- Minimize your exposure to thermal paper and dust.
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently with soap and water, especially before preparing food and before eating.
- Clean surfaces and floors regularly. Use a damp cloth, wet mop, or vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if possible.
- If your dentist recommends sealants or fillings, ask about BPA-free options.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
- Biomonitoring California
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Government of France
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) - European Union (EU)
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
