What does it mean to be BPA-free? We hear the phrase BPA-free quite often, but who knew a three letter word could be so dangerous?
BPA = Bisphenol A. It is a colorless solid synthetic chemical compound. This compound is also poorly soluble in water.
BPA is in everything from plastic water bottles and food storage containers, to canned foods and paper receipts.
3 common consumer products that typically use BPA:
Store Sales Receipts
Thermal paper receipts contain BPA as a component of the heat sensitive coating. This allows for inkless printing. The paper technology also provides speedy, reliable and cost-effective printing. Finally, a medical journal study found that hand sanitizer speeds up the absorption of BPA from paper receipts into the body.
Food Containers
BPA is used to make strong, shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic. This ultimately provides a clear view of food in durable and heat resistant containers. They are reusable and help keep food fresh longer.
Electronic Equipment
Polycarbonate plastic provides manufacturers with more durable material, often used in electronic equipment. Cell phones, laptops, tablet computers, PDAs, electronic game consoles and handheld computer gaming units, to name a few. It prevents the units from breaking. BPA induced polycarbonate films also help prevent scratches on the screens.
5 Side Effects of BPA Exposure
Cancer
Brain Function
Heart Disease and Diabetes
Weight Problems
Infertility and Fetal Development
Now is the Time to insist on BPA-free products.
Look for plastics with the BPA-free label. Do your research to find options that do not use BPA.
Finally, insist on environmentally friendly receipt paper rolls. Ones that are made of 100% recycled papers, BPA-free, and phenol-free. Many times you’ll find a cheap receipt paper roll online. However, chances are it contains the harmful BPAs we’ve talked about. Watson Distributing’s thermal receipt paper rolls are made in the USA and are always BPA-free!
