4 Reasons To Use BPA-Free Products
The FDA formally banned BPA in sippy cups and baby bottles in 2012, and manufacturers voluntarily stopped using BPA in these products for years prior to this legislation. Yet the dangerous additive continues to be used in other products, including food packaging and drinks in plastic containers. As parents who are concerned for the safety of our children, and who are committed to using and creating natural and homeopathic products, we encourage fellow parents to try to use BPA-free products for their children and themselves.
Today’s blog will focus on five reasons to use BPA-free products for yourself, your family, and your loved ones. Continue reading to learn more, explore the mission behind Punkin Butt, and shop our collections today!
What Is BPA?
BPA is a plasticizer, or a substance added to a synthetic material to make it more flexible and less brittle. This chemical is a hormone-disruptor and has been linked to cancer, obesity, and other health problems. It is a synthetic chemical, and is used in a variety of food packaging, including the linings of soda cans and reusable plastic water bottles.
Currently, the FDA maintains that BPA is safe at the current low levels of human exposure, but as we know, babies and fetuses are much more sensitive to chemical exposure, and those effects can last into adulthood.
Reproductive system
Because BPA is a hormone disruptor, it can interfere with the function of natural hormones. It can behave similarly to estrogen. Research has linked exposure to BPA to fertility problems and male impotence. BPA exposure can also affect egg maturation, and you can read more about the 2013 study here.
Brain
Animal studies have shown that a fetus’ brain is especially vulnerable to the effects of BPA. Because the blood-brain barrier is permeable in the womb, lower levels of BPA exposure can affect the baby’s brain development. As such, here at Punkin Butt we encourage pregnant women to consciously make an effort to consume fewer food products packaged in cans or plastic.
The risk is very low, but higher for women pregnant with girls — it’s unclear why boys are less affected. Studies are still being conducted about the level of risk, but if you are able to make these choices, we urge you to explore less-processed foods and homeopathic products while pregnant.
Heart Problems
Research has linked BPA exposure, even at low doses, to cardiovascular problems. A few problems include:
- Coronary artery heart disease
- Heart attack
- Hypertension
- Peripheral artery disease
Breast Cancer
Again, because BPA disrupts hormone production, research has strongly suggested that there is a link between the BPA in food and beverage containers and breast cancer. Learn more about the relationship between breast cancer and BPA here at breastcancer.org.
Punkin Butt Homeopathic Products
Here at Punkin Butt, we’re committed to creating the safest, all natural baby products. We understand that it’s challenging to parent in our contemporary world, but we’re doing our best and we want to share what we’ve learned with others!
Our famous Punkin Butt Teething Oil for babies was created after joining forces with an aromatherapist, a naturopath, and a couple local pediatricians. After the success of our teething oil, we dove into developing other homeopathic products for babies, like soothing balms and diaper spray. Read our story and join the growing movement of parents buying all-natural products for themselves and their children.