BPA is a compound used in the production of a huge range of consumer products, including thermal receipts, canned foods, and many plastics. Most consumers are exposed to it several times a day. Past laboratory studies have shown it behaves in the body as an “endocrine disruptor,” altering levels of various hormones including the all-important hormone, insulin.

To investigate this possibility in humans, researchers conducted two experiments. In the first they gave study subjects an oral dose of BPA at a level deemed “safe” by US regulatory agencies. The BPA test dose resulted in blood levels equivalent to handling a single thermal cash register receipt. The researchers then carefully monitored and measured the blood insulin levels of the study subjects. A second experiment was conducted just as the first, but with the study subjects consuming an oral placebo dose (no BPA). The results? After exposure to the BPA test dose, the study subject’s insulin release was significantly altered relative to taking the placebo dose.

The implications of this study are highly concerning and suggest that repeated exposure to BPA at levels currently qualified as safe can boost the risk of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders. While further studies are needed, my gut has been telling me for years that BPA and frankly all plastics, including the BPA replacements like BPS, are all risky.

My advice is to avoid all forms of plastics, especially in your kitchen and with your foods. Click this link to see specifics on avoiding BPA.