Page 1 - BisphenolA

P. 1

Bisphenol-A Explained

by Joanne Carr, RHN, BA

About Bisphenol-A

 Bisphenol A is one of the most widely used synthetic substances in the world
 It is added to polycarbonates for improved flexibility
 There are no domestic BPA (Bisphenol A) manufacturing plants; Canadian companies must
import BPA

Current Situation

 Bisphenol A has become controversial because it mimics estrogen and thus could induce
hormonal responses.
 Although BPA is in hundreds of products, from the plastic lenses of glasses to the coverings of
compact discs and DVDs, the uses that have caused controversy are those such as plastic baby
bottles or lacquer linings inside tin cans, which allow it to come into contact with food and
beverages.
 According to the Environment Defence, an environmental organization, Bisphenol A is a hormone
disruptor. The group claims that studies have linked low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as:
permanent changes to the genital tract; increased prostate weight; decline in testosterone; breast
cells predisposed to cancer; and hyperactivity.

Identification of Plastics

There are 7 classes of plastics used in packaging applications. Type 7 is the catch-all "other" class, and
some type 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate (sometimes identified with the letters "PC" in or near the
recycling symbol) and epoxy resins, are made from bisphenol A monomer. Type 3 (PVC) can also contain
bisphenol A as an antioxidant in plasticizers. Types 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), 5 (polypropylene), and
6 (polystyrene) do not use bisphenol A during polymerization or package forming, and thus will not leach
bisphenol A into food or beverages.

Omega Alpha’s Safe Packaging Practices

In order to alleviate any doubt, not all “plastics” contain Bisphenol-A. At Omega Alpha we use only
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, which are both safe
when in contact with food and/or liquid products. Just turn the bottle upside down to view the recycling
symbol with #1 or 2 inside.

With over 10 years experience in the holistic health field, Joanne Carr R.H.N., B.A., is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who has
lectured at natural health product seminars for retailers and consumers across Canada. She also contributes to various natural
health publications.

OASIS is an acronym for Omega Alpha Scientific Institute of Supplements
A division of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc., Toronto, Canada