BPS, (Bisphenol-S), is an organic compound prepared by the reaction of 2 equivalents of phenol and 1 equivalent of sulfuric acid. Some refer to it as the cousin of BPA, a carbon-based synthetic compound. There is great opportunity for human exposure to this chemical without knowing its potential health impact.
BPS is now being used as a replacement for BPA in hard plastics, thermal paper products, and recycling. Some consumer products include: cash register receipts, tickets, postage envelopes, luggage tags, airline boarding passes, paper money, newspapers, flyers, magazines, ultrasound results, baby bottles, and other hard plastics. BPS is less likely to leach into food/drinks from plastics than BPA, but according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), it is up to 19 times more absorbable through the skin than BPA! BPS can also enter our bodies through hand-to-mouth contact.
The skin is the largest organ in the body. What you put on your skin is absorbed into your body, affecting your overall health. Since BPS is now in so many consumer products that are touched daily, repeatedly, this raises awareness of the potential for toxic hazards and overall health risk.
Most people are familiar with BPA (Bisphenol A), a substance that has caused a lot of controversy in recent years. This compound mimics estrogen in the body, disrupting the hormones. May leach into food or drink from plastic containers. Almost everything you come in contact with, from plastics to PVC pipes, canned goods, plastic baby toys, world paper money, thermal receipt paper, dental sealants, are primary sources of BPA.
BPA is known to be especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and children. In September 2010, Canada declared BPA a toxic substance, but to date no other country has done the same. The United States and Canada have banned BPA in baby bottles. Some manufacturers have not eliminated BPA completely, only a percentage. With widespread consumer outrage, many manufacturers have begun making “BPA-free” products. This label is very attractive to health-conscious consumers, but unfortunately, it may just be a marketing ploy by the manufacturer. Health conscious consumers think they are avoiding toxic substances when they could be ingesting something worse.
Research on BPS is still in its infancy. There is still a lot to learn about this compound. A recent Environmental Science and Technology study says more toxicology research is needed before we know if BPS is safer than BPA. No conclusive laboratory test reports cancer, heart problems, infertility, or other health problems caused by BPS. However, studies have revealed that BPS appears in human urine at levels equivalent to BPA. GreenMedInfo reports that “it is less biodegradable than BPA, which means it can have worse effects on the environment and human health. Once absorbed into the human body, it can accumulate there for longer periods of time. What’s more likely to persist in the environment that makes external exposure more likely. Research has found that BPS interferes with cell growth and cell death, even at the small levels of exposure humans encounter every day.
Why, then, is BPS used? Because just as food manufacturers can label products “fat-free” and not mention the dangers of other ingredients (such as sugar, for example), plastic manufacturers can label products “BPA-free” while omitting the BPS-like toxic chemical replacement. Many manufacturers have just substituted one toxic bisphenol for another. BPS can be much worse than BPA.
With all the unresolved controversy, inconclusive research, and lies of omission from plastic manufacturers, it’s no wonder so many diseases crop up in society. Mercola, (an advocate of alternative medicine), claims that plastics can be “an alphabet soup of toxic chemicals.” As stated in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), “U.S. law regulating chemicals in commerce, it is entirely permissible to release a new material into high-volume production without disclosing its precise chemical identity or any information about its toxicity. This makes it impossible for the public to assess product safety regardless of manufacturer And currently, despite EPA and FDA policies endorsing “safe” alternatives to a chemical of concern like BPA, none of the federal agencies conduct safety testing of new materials intended for consumer products before they hit the market. So what can you do to help reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals? The following detox tips can help you get started:
TIPS FOR REDUCING EXPOSURE TO BPS
– Avoid as many plastics as possible.
– Choose products in glass jars instead of canned products.
– Choose fresh organic foods, instead of canned. Try juice recipes!
– Read ingredient labels of consumer products. Avoid any known toxins.
– Keep hands away from mouth. Try to wash your hands frequently.
– Choose glass, ceramic or stainless steel over plastic, especially those products that are in contact with food or drinks.
– Get rid of plastic children’s toys, sippy cups, teethers, etc. Instead, choose soft fabric varieties for children. Buy wooden toys for children. However, quality wooden toys last longer than plastic toys.
– Limit your contact with thermal paper products. For example, put cash register receipts in bags. Remove receipts from glove bags for disposal or filing. Do not accept gas station receipts. If you work with thermal paper on a daily basis, consider wearing lightweight gloves.
Completely eliminating your exposure to BPA or BPS would probably be impossible in today’s society, but you do have a choice on how to reduce your toxic exposure. Don’t be fooled by marketing ads. Get information on potentially toxic chemicals. Stay up to date with consumer product reports. Be proactive with your health! Why risk it? As the saying goes…”prevention is better than cure”.
