What is BPA & Why is it Unsafe?

Many people are unaware of what bisphenol A (BPA) is or which products contain it, but they’ve likely heard of it. BPA-free products are trending, bringing this chemical more into the spotlight.

Ethical considerations are now much higher on the priority list than they were even 10 years ago when it comes to buying home and family products. Consumers are increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals in their daily lives and the broader environmental landscape, and are opting for less harmful products, such as Freddie’s plastic jug-free laundry sheets. 

This article tells you everything you need to know about BPA. We examine which household and personal products contain it, whether it’s harmful to health, and what the official agencies think. For products free of harmful chemicals such as phosphates, brighteners, parabens, and dyes, discover Freddie’s laundry sheets today.

What Does BPA Stand For and Where Is It Found?

BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used in the manufacture of some polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins since the 1950s and 1960s. Primarily, BPA is found in products used for home use, such as food storage containers.

Polycarbonate plastics are used for food containers, baby bottles, and water bottles. Epoxy resins are typically used as a coating inside metal products, such as food cans and bottle tops, to preserve the contents and minimize corrosion.

Some medical equipment and dental sealants contain BPA. It's also found in protective face shields and shatterproof lenses. 

How BPA Exposure Happens in Everyday Life

Some studies have found that BPA can transfer into the food or liquids within the container. BPA is also used as a component in the lining of pipes to prevent corrosion, which can cause it to leach into the water supply.

The longer a food or beverage is stored in containers with BPA, the more likely there will be seepage. Exposing the plastic to extreme temperatures, such as freezing or microwaving, may increase the risk that it will leach into the contents. 

Why BPA Is Considered Unsafe

BPA has been the focus of research exploring potential hormonal activity and other biological interactions. This chemical is known to mimic estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors, potentially influencing and causing disruption in females to fetal development in pregnancy, according to some studies, even at very low levels.

In children, exposure to BPA is associated with developmental delays, behavioural issues, and conditions like anxiety and ADHD.

Some research links BPA to reproductive problems surrounding infertility and endometriosis. It has appeared in studies examining potential links to prostate and breast cancer risk.

Other research has examined whether BPA levels relate to cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes.

The current stance adopted by the FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration, is that BPA is perfectly safe at low levels. However, this position differs from that adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA has substantially lowered the exposure levels for BPA amid growing concerns about its safety. Several EU countries, as well as Canada, have implemented a ban on it in products intended for young children.

The FDA has already banned BPA in baby formula cans, sippy cups, and baby bottles since 2012, and continues to monitor the latest research. You should look to reduce your reliance on plastics as much as possible and opt for alternative products that are safer for yourself and the environment.

BPA and the Environment

The use of BPA and its connection with human health problems is of concern. However, it also has an impact on the broader environment.

BPA can bioaccumulate in surface water and groundwater, lasting for several months or longer, depending on the location and prevailing conditions. It creates problems for wildlife and aquatic organisms, even at low concentrations.

BPA is present in cleaning products, as well as many modern washing-up liquids, dishwasher tablets, and laundry detergents. Always check labels and ingredient lists before use, and consider products that are designed to minimize environmental impact compared to traditional liquid detergents that come in plastic bottles.

Choose BPA-Free Cleaning Products

Choosing BPA-free cleaning products is a format some households prefer. Free-running laundry detergents and pods are getting bad press, but it largely depends on the brand you use. Not all laundry products are made equal.

Laundry sheets are gaining popularity on washing day, offering an alternative format to liquids and pods.

Freddie laundry detergent sheets contain ingredients selected for their intended cleaning function, including protease and tea seed oil, and are formulated without dyes, brighteners, or parabens.

Protease is an enzyme that assists in breaking down the proteins found in stubborn stains, like sweat, blood, and grass. Tea seed oil is a natural, plant-derived surfactant that lathers to help remove grime and dirt, providing a plant-derived surfactant option.

Freddie laundry sheets are pre-dosed so there’s no guesswork or over-concentration, and they’re designed to dissolve fully in the wash. The ingredients are bound together with PVA, or polyvinyl alcohol, a type of plastic. However, it dissolves quickly even in cold water.

We aim for thorough cleaning without dyes, brighteners, or parabens, while offering a dermatologically tested formula.

Our sheets are clinically and dermatologically tested, and they are not associated with contact dermatitis.

Of course, with Freddie laundry detergent sheets, you can also eliminate the need for a plastic jug. Now, you can reduce reliance on liquid detergents or pods and the plastic packaging typically used with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BPA Harmful to Humans?

Research has explored potential associations between BPA exposure and various health concerns, including developmental factors, fertility-related issues, and certain chronic conditions. These findings remain under investigation and are not definitive.

Is BPA Banned?

The FDA has banned BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula cans. Some EU countries and Canada have also banned it in products for infants and young children, and the EU has significantly reduced permitted levels of the chemical in all consumables. New research is being produced all the time, which may eventually lead to a ban.

BPA Regulations Continue Evolving as Research Shapes Global Safety Standards

The science on whether BPA is harmful and causes human health problems, as well as environmental issues, is continually evolving. Already, there’s been enough conclusive evidence for the FDA and the EU to ban it in products for infants and babies.

BPA is not the only problematic ingredient in many household cleaning products, so why wait to make a change? Freddie detergent sheets offer a pre-measured and convenient way to do the laundry.

At Freddie, our laundry detergent sheets are available in two scents or fragrance-free. Old habits die hard, but the emerging evidence on BPA suggests that this could be the time to make a change.