Bisphenol A, more often referred to as BPA, is a chemical found commonly in plastic consumer goods. BPA can exhibit hormone-like properties at high dosages, and has even been called “gender-bending” because of how strong its effects may be. When a young, developing body is exposed to heightened hormone levels, it can result is negative and unwarranted results. Accordingly, the FDA has already identified Bisphenol A as possibly harmful with relation to babies and young children.
BPA-based plastic is tough, durable, and extremely versatile in its applications, allowing manufacturers to use it in a wide array of functions. Alarmingly however, among its most common uses are the manufacturing of dishware and utensils – items in direct proximity to food we ingest. Even more shocking is that Bisphenol A has been around for well over 50 years. Thus while older generations had no knowledge of the deleterious effects of latent chemicals, we do, and can choose to steer clear of them.
Recent Studies Urge Extreme Caution
Studies across the globe have linked Bisphenol A to a wide range of serious health problems including obesity, infertility, heart attacks, and chronic migraines. Scientists were able to conclude that the endocrine-disrupting chemical mimics the hormone estrogen once in the body and this could potentially lead to many of the aforementioned health problems. Children, in particular, were found to be at heightened risk to the effects of BPA because of their more sensitive systems. Young children can potentially develop devastating ailments ranging from asthma to obesity to cardiovascular problem that could follow them the rest of their lives. Despite the fact that the chemical has a short half-life and leaves the body relatively quickly, it was also found that many people are under such continuous exposure to BPA that their bodies maintain high levels of the chemical constantly. This last finding truly illustrates the need for us to make active changes for our children now, so that they aren’t subjected to a lifetime of exposure.
Steering Clear of Harmful Chemicals in Dishware
When it comes to our children, especially infants and toddlers, not only do we have the duty to protect them from Bisphenol A and the suffering associated with these ailments, we should also strive to set an example for what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. As the saying goes: give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish and you feed him for a lifetime. As parents, we aim to provide our children with all the tools in life to succeed. This precept is especially important when it comes to diet and exposure. Serving food on dishware containing Bisphenol A could put your child right in harm’s way. Fortunately this problem is largely correctable – cutting out BPA products has been shown to reduce exposure up to 66% within as little as three days. Additionally, there are several companies out there already selling exclusively BPA-free product lines
Follow a couple of simple rules and you and your child will be well on their way to a much safer and healthier lifestyle. Look for dishware and utensils that are made from food-grade stainless steel, and if you do find yourself using plastics, just make sure they are labeled as “safe” and “BPA free” before you buy them. These are little changes, but they make the world of difference to young children who can’t make the distinction without the help of a caring parent.
To view Kangovou’s great selection of BPA free children’s dishware, check out our webstore by clicking here.
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