Drinking or eating from plastic containers that have the chemical bisphenol or BPA is dangerous according to the National Toxicology Program of the United States. It seems that BPA mimics the estrogen hormone disrupting the normal functions of the hormones and cell signaling activities. Several studies have shown that when people are subjected to high levels of BPA they have an increased risk of developing certain cancers such as prostrate and breast cancer and uterine fibroids. Other health issues raised concerning the use of BPA are uro-gentital abnormalities in baby boys, declining semen quality in men, in girls puberty starting early, metabolic disorders, obesity, and attention deficient hyperactivity disorder.

Anything that interlopes in the natural functions of the human body has destructive potential. The chemical is leeches out in higher levels into the food or drink. Heat increases this leeching effect. When containers made of plastic that contains BPA are washed in the dishwasher his chemical is leeched out over and over again and this routine heating causes the amount that is leeched out to increase, according to Retha Newbold, who works at the Environmental Health Sciences

in Triangle Park, N.C.

Seven hundred studies have been conducted regarding the ill effects pf BPA. The containers that it is found in are made of hard, clear polycarbonate plastic. The highest risk group is babies because their bodies are developing and their cells are being programmed. This programming that a baby's body undergoes is a very sensitive process. This is why it is advisable to switch to plastic baby bottles without BPA in them or use glass baby bottles. It is also best to cook food in the microwave in glass dishes or plates or paper plates. Don't cover them with clear plastic wrap, use glass dish tops or paper towels. Born Free is one manufacturer that makes plastic bottles and cups without BPA.

BPA can also be leeched into water systems via landfills. The packaging of these products sometimes has this chemical in them: soda cans, food cans, and plastic food containers. Many times the linings of cans contain this obnoxious compound. How much is leeched into food or drinks is dependent upon the acidity of the food or drink; also, the condition of the container and its age play a role in the amount of this compound that can leech out. The best way to reduce risk from plastic lined cans is not to buy them. Instead, buy frozen foods in non-plastic containers or foods in glass containers or fresh foods.

You can get canned foods that are BPA free from Eden foods; the only product that uses a container with BPA is tomato products because they can't be stored in the alternative lined cans. Eden Foods changed their containers in 1999. Not all experts agree that BPA is harmful to your health, but many do and how can something that wasn't meant to be in your body be healthy.