Concerns about Bisphenol A
All the more concerning, then, that BPA is virtually ominpresent in our society. From plastic water bottles to canned foods to grocery store receipts, we are exposed to this chemical multiple times a day. While the Bisphenol A website
contains links to studies meant to assure us that its use is absolutely safe, at this point I’d prefer to limit my exposure as much as possible based on several animal studies that suggest otherwise, as well the Environmental Working Group’s assertion that the compound is toxic even at low levels.
There are several ways to do this, including carrying a thermos instead of bottled water, never heating foods in plastic, reducing consumption of canned foods, and purchasing BPA-free containers and bakeware. While I don’t use a lot of canned items, I do eat a fair amount of canned fish. As of now, Trader Joe’s states that while most of its salmon is packaged in BPA-free cans, sardines (my favorite), are not, although the chain hopes to remedy this by the end of the year. Treehugger.com has a nice list of companies that use BPA-free cans., and the Inspiration Green site has additional useful information.
Does BPA exposure cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health problems in humans? While further research needs to be done to determine the extent of risk posed by BPA, it’s disturbing that the manufacturer’s site states the product causes no harmful effects despite significant evidence to the contrary. Because it’s impossible to completely avoid this chemical, I recommend we do our best to limit exposure as much as we can for the time being.
1. Soriano S, et al. Rapid Insulinotropic Action of Low Doses of Bisphenol-A on Mouse and Human Islets of Langerhans: Role of Estrogen Receptor β. PLoS One 2012; 7(2): e31109
2. Masuno H, et al. Bisphenol A in combination with insulin can accelerate the conversion of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts to adipocytes. J Lipid Res. May 2002. 43:676-684
3. Masuno H, et al. Bisphenol A accelerates terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway.Toxicol Sci. Apr 2005; 84(2):319-27
4. Brisken C. Endocrine disruptors and breast cancer. CHIMIA Int National J Chem 2008 62(5) 406-409
5.Ho S-M, et al.Developmental exposure to estradiol or bisphenol A increases susceptibility to prostate carcinogenesis and epigenetically regulates phosphodiesterase Type 4 variant 4. Cancer Res. June 2006;66:5624–5632
I love sardines too. I eat a can almost every day for lunch. King Oscar brand claims to be packed in bpa-free cans. You can check this out by Googling ‘king oscar sardines bpa free’ and looking at the hit (#1 on my search) for ‘Hi – I’m a big fan… FaceBook.’ In it there is an exchange in which KO brand PR people assert twice they are bpa free and the cans are made in Denmark and certified and tested by KO as well. I really like the King Oscar brand Brisling Mediterranean Style sardines. Check them out.
Thanks so much for this recommendation, Dan! Wasn’t aware that King Oscar was BPA free.I’ll definitely try the Mediterranean style
ones — sounds right up my alley 🙂
Thanks for bringing up this issue Franziska, Personally I believe that the cause of the obesity/diabetes epidemic goes beyond simply a poor diet and lack of exercise. Environmental factors such as BPA may well also be a factor. I hope this can be studied so that this this question can be answered. Interesting that BPA free cans exist, I had read that there was no substitute.
Thanks, BadMoonT2! I agree that there are many contributing factors in diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions that have reached epidemic proportions in recent years. Apparently cans be produced without BPA, but I’m not sure what is involved in the process.
I wish I knew more ways to prepare sardines. At present my tossing in a can with tuna salad and boiled eggs is the easiest way I find to eat them, but plain they don’t appeal to me. Ideas?
I do worry about people who get most of their food from cans, plastic, cook in plastic in the microwave, etc. Seems likely cause problems that didn’t exist 40-50 years ago.
Afraid I can’t help you too much with sardine ideas, Nan. I like them as is right out of the can. I also eat them in a salad of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, and vinegar with a little sea salt. Delicious! Good luck 🙂