The Importance of BPA Free Containers

Buying lunches at your children’s school is starting to get more and more expensive. As a result, you’ve decided it’ll be cheaper to make your kids school lunches for them. Of course, finding a safe, easy-to-clean, well-designed lunch box is no easy feat, either. And with all this talk about BPA and the side effects of microwaving plastic containers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To clear things up, we wrote this short post on what BPA means, and the benefits of BPA-free containers. You can also learn about the latest and greatest BPA-free lunch-pail on the market if you’re so inclined.

BPA vs BPA-Free

BPA (bisphenol-A) was first invented in 1891 and was used to make strong polycarbonate plastics. It’s also used in a wide-variety of products like epoxy resin linings on canned foods (to prevent rust), toiletries, feminine hygiene products, thermal receipts, eyeglass lenses, and more.

Almost 100 years later another scientist discovered that this estrogen-like chemical was being leaked out into contents held within the plastic, which can cause harm to individuals exposed to it. Over the years Europe, Canada, and a few other countries banned the use of BPA. In the United States, only 11 states have banned its use in children’s products.

When something is BPA-free, it simply means that the use of bisphenol-A has not been used in that item’s composition. Without the presence of BPA in plastic containers, kids and adults can be safe from its harmful effects.

Health Risks of BPA

The most common health issues that BPA can cause is breast cancer and reproductive problems, including miscarriage, infertility, or genital development in infants. Some studies show that it can also lead to early puberty in young girls, or even infertility in men.

Additionally, BPA can also lead to heart disease, poor brain development, high blood pressure, prostate issues, or changes in mood or behavior. Other studies have shown links to other health problems like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature delivery, asthma, liver function, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and thyroid functions.

With the rise of awareness to the negative effects BPA can have on people, more and more products are now being made without this harmful chemical. However, it’s still found in a variety of things, so it’s virtually impossible to live a completely 100% BPA-free lifestyle.

What can you do to avoid it as much as possible? Here are a few tips to help:

• Avoid packaged foods, as most foods either packaged in cans or plastic containers may contain BPA in them. If you’re not sure, look for containers labeled 3, 7, or “PC”.
• Only purchase and drink liquids in glass bottles.
• Do your best to avoid products that have BPA in them.
• Only buy toys for your kids that are made with BPA-free materials, especially teething toys that are made to be chewed or sucked on.
• Only store and microwave your food and leftovers in glass containers, not plastic.
• Buy either glass bottles and containers, or plastic containers that are non-toxic and BPA-free.

Kangovou’s BPA-Free Products

Considering the health-effects of BPA, including being linked to a variety of reproductive and hormonal issues, other various diseases and health risks, it’s a good idea to limit BPA use as much as possible. The first best step is to throw out all your BPA kitchen-ware. The second is by actively purchasing products made without this harmful chemical. Only this way you can know for sure that whatever your child consumes is BPA-free.

That said, while there are many companies creating “BPA-free” items, not all of them are legitimate, and some may still retain trace amounts of BPA in them. It’s important to do your research and make sure the company’s claims are factual.

Kangovou is one of the few product lines out there with a collection of dishware that is truly 100% BPA free, as well as PVC, Lead, Melamine, and Phthalate free as well. Every product is made with quality food-grade, type 304, 18/8 stainless steel, all of which are anti-bacterial and chemical free. You won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into you or your children’s food, because there are no harmful chemicals. It’s that simple.

Want to know Kangovou’s most popular item? You guessed it…the 100% BPA-free Bento Lunch Box! With two convenient sizes, this double insulated temperature-regulating pail is divided into sections for handy organization and is easy to clean. Check it out here on Kangavou’s product page, and while you’re there, browse around to view their other health-friendly products.