Ever wonder what all the fuss surrounding BPA-free containers was about? The chemical bisphenol A, also referred to as BPA, has been used in the creation of plastic food and liquid containers such as water bottles. The chemical has also been considered a potential contributing factor for cancer.

While the old mantra “everything in moderation” applies to some degree with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) releasing information stating that extremely low levels of BPA can be considered safe, there is still cause for concern. For example, how can an individual ensure that only low safe levels of BPA are consumed?

Recent reports claim that becoming exposed to the chemical bisphenol A during the early phase of pregnancy can make someone more susceptible to a potential miscarriage. The study involved 115 women who were between four to five weeks pregnant.

Blood samples were taken from the women during the early phase of the research and again when some women experienced an unfortunate first-trimester miscarriage and for women who gave birth.

The study reported that women with the highest levels of BPA were 80 percent more likely to have a first-trimester miscarriage. Though there is still a potential that extraneous variables influenced the results, limiting BPA exposure would not be a bad idea.

Dr. Ruth Lathi is an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University Medical Center and has been involved in researching BPA exposure. She recently shared her insight on the situation.

“I don’t want to alarm prospective parents. Lots of women with detectable [BPA] levels have healthy babies,” Dr. Ruth Lathi said before adding that, “there is no harm in trying to reduce [BPA] exposures.”

There are multiple measures to take in order to protect oneself against unnecessary exposure. First, search for products that are BPA-free, and avoid containers with scratches, as the break can cause the chemical to leak in higher amounts as well as encouraging bacteria growth.

Be cognizant of using heat on plastic containers through the microwave and dishwasher as higher temperatures release the chemical.

Note the recycling number on the bottom of the container, and avoid those with a 3 or 7 as these tend to have BPA.

Lastly, and probably most obvious, is to use containers that are not made from plastic such as stainless steel, glass, and porcelain.

[Images And Video Via YouTube]