Bisphenol-A (BPA) pollution

Bisphenol-A or BPA is a synthetic additive found in plastics, commondly in plastic containers, water bottles and linings of tinned foods and drinks.  It is recognised by the body as a type of oestrogen.

BPA, which reacts with estrogen and thyroid hormone receptors, has been linked to infertility, ADHD, obesity, type 2 diabetes, premature births and early onset of puberty. 

A 2016 study revealed that two out of three canned foods have BPA. The shiny coating on till receipts contains BPA which can be absorbed by the skin. Sanitary products and napkins, even table serviettes, are also sources of BPA. 

A 2012 study published in the journal Paediatrics found that children fitted with plastic dental fillings made from a substance with BPA had more behavioral problems than their peers.

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control survey found that 93 percent of the population had measurable amounts of BPA.According to a recent U.S. report, Bisphenol A (BPA) is added to 93 per cent of receipts given out in stores. Cashiers and waiting staff who frequently handle receipts are particularly vulnerable to the chemicals’ effects according to the research. France wants an EU-wide ban on till receipts with BPA and most receipts in that country are marked ‘sans BPA’.