Written for eufic.org. Published in July 2024.

Picture this: you just finished a delicious meal, and in a fight against food waste, you are eager to store your leftovers in a convenient plastic container. Most plastics these days are labelled ’BPA-free’; but what exactly does this mean and why does it matter? This article explores what BPA is, how we come in contact with it, what health risks it entails, and whether we should avoid it.

What is bisphenol-A and where is it found?

Bisphenol A, often abbreviated as ‘BPA’, is a synthetic organic chemical used to make clear, strong, and lightweight plastics known as polycarbonates. These polycarbonate plastics are very common – they are used in reusable water bottles, baby bottles, plates, cups, and containers for storing food. BPA is also used for creating epoxy resins that are used to line the inside of food and drink cans. Other than food packaging and containers, BPA is used for manufacturing electronics, construction materials, and medical devices among other things.