Have you heard of BPA (bisphenola-A)? This is a chemical used in many product such as plastic food containers and the lining for canned foods. This chemical in high levels in your blood stream has the potential to double the risk of diabetes and heart related problems. A recent study from the California Pacific Medical Center suggest that BPA can also speed up the growth of breast cancer cells.

This is a chemical that you can ingest from the food containers you choose, water bottles, to the canned soup you eat. It has already been banned in baby bottles and on March 31st the Food and Drug Administration is going to announce if BPA will be banned from all food packaging.

Here are a few tips to help you right now to help you understand what this chemical is already in and how it could be effecting you and your family.

Plastic Storage Food Containers
Easy and convenient, these storage container are a culprit of a lot of BPA contributors to your blood stream. Well worn, cracked or well used containers can be more harmful and leak BPA. Very porous containers that soak up say a sauce and leave a stain should be thrown away. An alternative would be to use glass, porcelain, ceramic or stainless steel bowls and cut your BPA levels by 67% in three days. Look for storage containers that have a label saying BPA free.

Using plastic storage bags or plastic wrap? These also have BPA with the exception of Ziploc brand and Saran Plastic Wrap which are BPA free.

Love My Soup
That convenient can of soup that you can now pop open the can, put into a bowl, add water or not and microwave for 60 seconds is wonderful. Only problem is that yes, BPA is laced in the lining of many metal cans. BPA levels can shoot up 1200% in five days if you eat a 12oz can daily. The BPA leaks into the soup, especially into soups like tomato which are acidic and fatty soups made with cream during storage. Go for the Box soup or hey, make it homemade.

Wash Those Hands
According to John C Warner Ph.D author of Green Chemistry Theory and Practice, the thermal receipts from an ATM or Cash Register are coated with BPA that can be absorbed through the skin. You now have this on your finger tips and go to eat something and passed BPA into your system. Always wash your hands after handling these receipts.

Water Bottles
Another convenience and easy to carry anywhere is the water bottle. Be careful and check to see that the one you choose is BPA free. If you are using a metal bottle that is lined with a plastic coating, more then likely it contains BPA. Check out stainless steel bottles without the lining.

Oh No NotThe Non Stick Pans!
No is right. Despite rumors, the coating on no stick pans and cookware is not made with BPA. There are other hazards though if your not careful while cooking with this cookware. If the coating is giving off fumes, and who wants that in there meals, you are cooking with the pans on too high of a heat. Cook at a moderate to medium heat on the stove top and no higher then 450 degrees in the oven. If you pan or non stick cookware is scratched, better to throw it out and get new. Avoid scratching this cookware by using non metal utensils and cleaning with anything abrasive.