You have likely heard of bisphenol A (BPA), the hormone disrupting chemical found in many plastics. In fact, you may even purchase ‘BPA-free’ plastics in an effort to minimize your exposure to BPA. Many of us do. But you might want to rethink your approach based on some new research. The chemical that manufacturers use to replace BPA is BPS, or bisphenol S. As the name suggests, BPS is similar to BPA. Due to this similarity, some researchers have questioned the safety of BPS.
In a recent study presented at the meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, researchers found that young zebrafish (which exhibit similar development as humans, surprisingly) had increased hyperactivity and brain changes when they had been exposed to BPS during brain development stages early in life.
“BPS, termed the safe alternative to BPA, may be equally as harmful to developing brains,” noted Deborah Kurrasch, PhD, lead researcher. “Society must place increased pressure on decision makers to remove all bisphenol compounds from manufacturing processes.”
BPA has been linked to many conditions, including obesity, reproductive cancers, and hyperactivity in children. Could it be that BPS induces similar harmful effects?
This is not the first study to suggest BPS is not the safe alternative we think it is. And it won’t be the last. Until they find a better, safer substitute, your best bet is to avoid plastic containers as much as possible. Opt for glass instead, which is about as safe as it gets when it comes to chemicals. Glass is inert, so it won’t leach any toxins. Be sure to share this news with others, because I suspect many people don’t realize that ‘BPA free’ may not be as safe as we are led to believe.