Bisphenol A: Discover the long-lasting effects of BPA in toys

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: September 22, 2023

Why is BPA dangerous in toys?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in making hard plastic products such as toys. It is a substance that is found in many products and that you have probably seen before.

You may even have it in your own food. Let's take a look at how this can happen and why it is so dangerous for our health.

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What is BPA and why can it be harmful to your health?

BPA stands for bisphenol A, a chemical often used in the production of hard, transparent plastics such as baby food bottles, drinking water, plates, trays, cans and packaging material. It is also used in resins used as a protective coating on the inside of food packaging and cans. BPA is even found in some medical devices, such as IV sets and blood bags. It is also used on cash receipts.

BPA enters our body in small amounts

BPA can enter our body through food, water, dust and skin contact. It can even be found in small amounts in recycled paper. When food or drinks are stored in plastic containing BPA, the substance can penetrate the food or drink. This is especially true for hot foods and drinks. BPA can also be released when plastic is heated in a microwave oven.

BPA can have harmful effects on our health

There are indications that BPA can be harmful to our health. It can interfere with the development of young children and unborn babies. BPA can also affect the immune system and cause food intolerances. Some studies have shown that exposure to BPA may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

BPA-free alternatives are available

Fortunately, there are BPA-free alternatives available to consumers. Many products, including baby bottles and drinking bottles, are now available without BPA. Check the code on plastic products to see if they contain BPA. If the code contains a 3 or 7, the product may contain BPA. A code of 1, 2 or 5 means that the product is BPA-free.

Why is BPA dangerous for you and your children?

BPA is a chemical commonly used in plastic products, including baby bottles and food cans. It can get into your body when you eat food that comes in plastic containers or cans. BPA can disrupt your hormonal system, even at low levels of exposure. According to recent research, this can lead to developmental and reproductive problems in young children.

Extra care for pregnant women and babies

Pregnant women and babies are especially vulnerable to the effects of BPA. It can affect the development of the fetus's brain and immune system. In addition, it can increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriages.

European prohibitions and concerns

In Europe, BPA has been banned in baby bottles and is no longer used in the production of other types of baby products. This is due to concerns about the effects on the development of young children. Yet BPA is still used in some products, such as colorful plastic containers and bottles.

Not enough evidence for safety

While some studies suggest that BPA's health effects may not be as bad as we think, there isn't enough evidence to prove that it safe and is. The European Food Safety Authority remains concerned about the effects of BPA and says more research is needed.

Stay alert and read labels

When it comes to your and your children's health, it's important to stay alert and read labels. Choose products that are BPA-free and avoid using plastic containers and bottles for hot drinks or food. This way you protect yourself and your family against the possible dangers of BPA.

How does BPA get into your body?

BPA is a substance commonly used in plastic products, including food packaging. When you eat food wrapped in plastic that contains BPA, the substance can end up in your food. This can happen when the plastic gets hot, for example when you heat up a plastic container with food in the microwave. BPA can also end up in your food when the plastic is dirty or when the plastic has been in contact with food for a long time.

By using plastic toys

Young children can ingest BPA through it playing with plastic toys that contains BPA. This can happen when the child toys puts it in the mouth or when it toys is dirty and the child then puts his hands in his mouth.

By drinking water from plastic bottles

Even if you drink water from a plastic bottle that contains BPA, the substance can end up in your body. This can happen when the bottle gets warm, for example when it is in the sun or when the water inside is hot.

By eating canned food

BPA is also used in the coating of food cans. When you eat food that comes from a can, the substance can end up in your food. This can especially happen when the food is acidic, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Due to exposure at work

People who work in factories where BPA is produced or processed can be exposed to the substance. This can happen by inhaling BPA vapors or by touching BPA-containing products.

By using wooden products with BPA

Some wooden products, such as cutting boards or kitchen utensils, may contain BPA. This can happen when the wood has been treated with a BPA-containing agent. When you cut food on a cutting board that contains BPA, the substance can end up in your food.

Be careful when buying products

It is important to pay attention to the presence of BPA when purchasing products. Many brands now offer BPA-free products, including food packaging, bottles and toys. It is therefore advisable to opt for these safe alternatives to prevent exposure to BPA.

Long-term effects of BPA

BPA is a chemical commonly used in plastic products such as polycarbonate. It resembles the female hormone estrogen and binds to the same receptors in the body. This can lead to hormonal effects, especially in pregnant women and young children. Studies have shown that exposure to BPA can lead to reduced fertility in women and reduced sperm production in men. BPA can also affect fetal development and increase the risk of diabetes.

BPA can lead to stress and impaired development

BPA can also lead to stress and impaired development in children. Mice exposed to BPA showed signs of stress and agitation. In addition, BPA can affect brain development and behavior in children. This can lead to learning difficulties and behavioral disorders.

BPA can lead to additional risks for women

Women are at extra risk when exposed to BPA. It can disrupt the hormone balance and increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, BPA may reduce female fertility and affect fetal development. It is therefore important to use BPA-free products, especially during pregnancy.

BPA can cause long-term damage to health

Prolonged exposure to BPA can lead to health damage. It can disrupt hormone balance and increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease. In addition, BPA can lead to reduced fertility and impaired development in children. It is therefore important to use BPA-free products and to encourage companies to develop safe alternatives.

How does BPA get into toys?

Lots of plastic toys contains BPA, a chemical used to make plastic hard and sturdy. BPA is also used in products such as water bottles, food containers and even in some dental materials. Unfortunately, it is not always clear which products contain BPA and which do not. Some brands insist that their products are BPA-free, while other brands provide no information about this.

BPA is released when plastic toys heat up

When plastic toys is exposed to heat, for example by leaving it in the sun or by putting it in hot water, BPA can be released from the plastic. This can happen in just a few minutes, but also after a number of days. Researchers at the University of Texas have shown that BPA is released from plastic toys when placed in warm water.

BPA can enter the body through the skin or mouth

When BPA is released from plastic toys, it can enter the body through the skin or mouth. This can be done in different ways, for example by toys hold or play with it and then put your hands in your mouth. BPA can also enter the body through food or drinks when they come into contact with BPA-containing substances toys.

Tips to avoid BPA in toys

It's important to try How to Avoid BPA in Toys (Here's the Best BPA Free Toys) to protect the health of yourself and your children. Here are some tips:

• Buy wooden toys instead of plastic toys.
• Choose toys made from safe materials, including BPA-free plastic.
• Wash your hands after playing with plastic toys.
• Avoid using plastic toys that look dirty or have holes in them.
• Keep plastic toys away from heat sources such as the sun and hot water.
• Read toy labels to see if they contain BPA.
• Consider personal advice from others when buying toys.
• Stop using toys that contain BPA and replace them with BPA-free toys.

It is important to remember that avoiding BPA in toys is just a means to reduce exposure to this chemical. There are many more ways BPA can enter our bodies, so it is important to consider all possible sources of exposure.

Why is BPA dangerous in toys: Scientific evidence

Several scientific studies have shown that BPA can be dangerous for children's development. BPA is found in many plastic products, including toys. When children with this toys play, BPA can enter their bodies and have effects on their development. Some studies have shown that BPA can lead to behavioral problems, learning problems and even obesity in children.

BPA can cause hormone disruptions

BPA can also cause hormone disruptions. It can disrupt the action of hormones in the body, increasing the risk of certain diseases. This is especially true for children, who are especially sensitive to the effects of BPA.

European legislation prohibits BPA in toys

Unlike some other countries, Europe has taken legal measures to protect children from BPA toys. Since 2011, it has been prohibited to use BPA in toys intended for children under three years of age. This is because the European Commission believes there is sufficient evidence of the dangers of BPA in toys.

Companies are committed to BPA-free toys

Many companies are aware of the dangers of BPA toys and want to protect their customers. They therefore no longer use BPA in their products. Some companies go even further and only use materials that are completely free of harmful substances.

How do you recognize BPA-free toys?

BPA is a substance that is frequently used in plastic products, including toys. It occurs in plastic containers in which food is stored, cans in which food is packaged and in plastic toys. BPA can enter your body and disrupt hormone balance. It is therefore wise to be BPA-free toys to choose.

What should you pay attention to when choosing BPA-free toys?

To be BPA free toys to recognize it, you can pay attention to the following:

• Choose wooden toys instead of plastic toys. Wooden toys do not contain BPA.
• Check the toy's label to see if it says BPA-free.
• Avoid toys made from recycled plastic. This may still contain BPA.
• Note the color of the toy. BPA is often found in clear plastic. Therefore choose toys in a different color.
• Avoid toys that can get hot. BPA can be released when plastic heats up. Therefore, choose toys that cannot get hot, such as wooden toys.
• Buy toys from reputable brands. These brands have often already taken steps to produce BPA-free toys.

What are other ways to avoid BPA?

In addition to choosing BPA-free toys, there are other ways to avoid BPA:

• Avoid food products packaged in cans. Cans may contain a layer of BPA on the inside. Therefore, opt for fresh food or food in glass containers.
• Prepare your meals in glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic containers.
• Do not heat your food in plastic containers. BPA can be released when plastic is heated. Therefore, heat your food in a glass or ceramic container.
• Do not drink coffee from plastic cups. Rather opt for a glass or ceramic cup.
• Avoid consuming food from plastic containers that have been in the refrigerator for a long time. BPA can end up in the food over time.
• Do not wash plastic containers in the dishwasher. The heat and water can cause small holes in the plastic, allowing BPA to enter your food.
• Keep your children's plastic toys clean. Dirty toys can cause BPA to be absorbed into the body faster.
• Don't give your kids plastic toys to chew on. BPA can be absorbed through the mouth.

Safe alternatives to BPA in toys

BPA is a chemical commonly used in plastic products, including toys. However, it is known that BPA can have harmful effects on human and animal health. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives available to manufacturers of toys. Here are some of the most common alternatives to BPA:

• Epoxy resins: These are chemicals that are used in place of BPA in some products. They are safer and have similar properties to BPA.

• Bisphenols: These are chemicals similar to BPA, but less toxic. They are often used in place of BPA in products such as toys.

• VOM: This stands for Vinyl Over Molding and is a process of pouring a layer of plastic over another material. This is often used instead of BPA in toys.

What other safe alternatives are there?

In addition to the alternatives mentioned above, there are other safe alternatives available to manufacturers of toys. Some of the most common alternatives include:

• Polypropylene: This is a plastic that is often used instead of BPA in toys. It is safer and has similar properties to BPA.

• Polyethylene: This is another type of plastic that is often used instead of BPA in toys. It is safer and has similar properties to BPA.

• Silicone: This is a material often used instead of plastic in toys. It is safer and has similar properties to plastic.

How can consumers recognize BPA-free toys?

As a consumer you can go BPA-free toys recognized by the code on the product. If the product has the code “PP” or “PE”, this means that it is made of polypropylene or polyethylene and is therefore BPA-free. If the product has the code “PS”, this means it is made of polystyrene and may contain BPA. Consumers can also look for the “BPA-free” label on the product.

What is the Dutch government doing to protect consumers against BPA in toys?

The Dutch government has drawn up a list of chemicals that are not in toys may be used. BPA is on this list, along with other toxic substances. Producers of toys must ensure that their products safe and before they are placed on the market. The Dutch government regularly carries out checks to ensure that producers comply with these rules.

Why is it important to continue developing safe alternatives to BPA in toys?

BPA can have harmful effects on human and animal health, even in low doses. It is therefore important to find safe alternatives to BPA toys to continue developing. Producers of toys must ensure that their products safe and are for daily use and that consumers are not at risk of exposure to toxic substances. By continuing to develop safe alternatives, we can ensure that toys safe and remains for children to play with.

Is Tupperware BPA Free?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used in plastic and can manufacturing. It is an endocrine disruptor that can disrupt the functioning of hormones in the body. This can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cancer.

What are the dangers of BPA?

BPA can enter the body when we consume food or drinks that have come into contact with BPA-containing products. It can also be absorbed through the skin when we come into contact with products containing BPA. The effects of BPA on the body are not yet fully known, but researchers warn of the potential dangers of this substance.

Is Tupperware BPA Free?

Tupperware is a company that produces plastic products, including food storage trays and containers. The company claims that all of their products are BPA free. This means that no BPA is used in the products during production. Tupperware uses other plastics that are safer for the environment and the body.

How can you avoid BPA?

If you want to avoid BPA, here are some tips:

• Do not use plastic containers or containers to store food. Instead, use glass containers or stainless steel containers.
• Avoid canned foods, as most cans contain BPA.
• Eat mostly fresh, unprocessed foods.
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers or containers as this can lead to the release of BPA.
• Read the code on plastic products to see if they contain BPA. The code can be found on the bottom of the product and usually starts with the numbers 1, 2, 4 or 5.
• Never wash plastic products in the dishwasher, as this increases the likelihood of BPA being released.
• Keep plastic products away from hot surfaces and avoid using plastic products in the microwave.
• Try using wooden utensils instead of plastic ones.
• Make sure your Tupperware items are clean and dry before using them to store food.

Conclusion

Why is BPA dangerous in toys?

BPA is a chemical used to make hard plastic products. It can even be found in some medical devices. It can enter your body through food and water or through skin contact, and it is harmful to your development, your immune system, your hormonal system and your health.

It is important to be alert and read labels. Choose products that are BPA-free and avoid using plastic containers, bottles and cans.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.