A common question we encounter today is, “Doctor, should I avoid BPA?” To which my counter-question often is, “Can you afford to avoid BPA?” If switching to safer alternatives like glass or stainless steel is within reach, then the decision is simple: yes, you should absolutely avoid BPA—especially during pregnancy and childhood when hormonal and neurodevelopmental sensitivity is at its peak.

Let us explore what BPA is, its potential health risks—including those affecting the skin—and practical steps to reduce exposure.

What Is BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used primarily in the production of:

• Polycarbonate plastics (e.g., water bottles, food storage containers)
• Epoxy resins (used as liners in canned foods and beverages)
• Dental sealants and composites
• Medical devices (e.g., tubing, dialysis systems)
• Electronics (e.g., CD/DVDs)
• Thermal papers (receipts, movie tickets, some napkins and toilet paper)

BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen in the body. According to a U.S. study, 93% of individuals tested had detectable levels of BPA in their urine, highlighting its pervasive presence.

Systemic Side Effects of BPA:

Numerous studies—especially in animals, but also increasingly in humans—have shown that BPA exposure may be linked to the following:

1. Hormonal Imbalances
   • Early onset of puberty
   • Developmental abnormalities of breast and reproductive organs
2. Reproductive Toxicity
   • Female infertility, poor IVF outcomes
   • Male infertility, low sperm count
   • Developmental damage when exposed in utero
3. Neurobehavioral Issues
   • Increased risk of hyperactivity, anxiety, and cognitive deficits in children exposed in the womb
4. Carcinogenic Potential
   • Breast and prostate cancer risk, especially with early-life exposure
5. Autoimmune Disorders
   • Possible triggering of autoimmune conditions via immune dysregulation
6. Metabolic Disorders
   • Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes
7. Gynecological Conditions
   • Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
8. Cardiovascular Disease
   • Hypertension, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease

Skin-Related Side Effects of BPA:

While not as widely discussed, BPA can affect the skin in the following ways:

1. Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Reactions
   • BPA-containing thermal papers and plastics can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in sensitive individuals or those with eczema.
2. Hormonal Acne
   • As an endocrine disruptor, BPA may exacerbate acne, especially in women with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS.
3. Skin Aging
   • BPA-induced oxidative stress may accelerate collagen breakdown, contributing to premature aging.
4. Hyperpigmentation
   • Some animal studies have indicated the possibility of pigmentation changes due to hormonal disruptions, although this is yet to be confirmed in human dermatological studies.
5. Exacerbation of Inflammatory Skin Conditions
   • BPA exposure may contribute to flare-ups in conditions like psoriasis and eczema due to its pro-inflammatory action.

How to Avoid BPA: Practical Steps

Given its ubiquity, completely eliminating BPA is challenging, but you can significantly reduce exposure by following these steps:

1. Eliminate Plastic Food Containers

• Replace all plastic containers with stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or ceramic.
• Avoid even “BPA-free” plastic, as it may contain BPS, which can have similar or worse effects.

2. Avoid Heating Food in Plastic

• Heat causes BPA to leach into food. Use glass or ceramic dishes for microwaving.

3. Switch to Steel or Glass Bottles

• Avoid bottled water, especially if bottles are exposed to heat during transport.
• Carry water in a BPA-free steel bottle instead.

4. Ditch Canned Food and Beverages

• Most cans are lined with BPA-containing epoxy resins.
• Choose fresh, unpackaged fruits, vegetables, and homemade meals.

5. Be Cautious with Thermal Paper

• Avoid unnecessary contact with sales receipts, movie tickets, etc.
• Wash hands after handling.

6. Monitor Toys and Baby Products

• Ensure baby bottles, toys, and teethers are BPA-free or preferably made of natural materials.
• Choose glass baby bottles or breastfeed directly if possible.

7. Discard Old Plastic Items

• Older plastic tends to leach more BPA as it degrades.

Legal Status of BPA in India

While many countries have banned BPA in infant feeding bottles, regulations in India are not uniformly enforced. A 2014 Times of India report revealed that over 50% of supposedly BPA-free baby bottles contained unsafe levels of the chemical.

Final Notes

Avoiding BPA is not merely about environmental awareness—it is a critical health decision, particularly for pregnant women, children, and individuals with hormonal or inflammatory skin conditions. Opt for traditional materials like glass, stainless steel, and ceramic to significantly reduce your exposure. Your skin and overall health will thank you.