Are Your Household Staples Really BPA-Free? 3 Ways To Tell, Says An MD

Unfortunately, BPAs are quite common—and they lie in more household items than you think. But according to pediatrician, author, and NYU professor, Leonardo Trasande, M.D., it is possible to limit your exposure. As he shares on this episode of the mindbodygreen podcast, you have the power to create a truly BPA-free household. Just mind these three tips: 

That's not to say you should fear canned food forever—simply take a closer look at your labels to make sure it's free of any BPs—not just BPA. Many brands will now specify BPA- and BPS-free, especially ones that use Tetra Paks: "The plastic they’re using is relatively safe," he notes. But to ensure a completely bisphenol-free meal, Trasande recommends relying on dry or frozen goods for the time being. "The plastic bag is less likely to absorb the chemicals into the food in the first place," he explains. Just don't chuck the entire thing in the microwave and assume you're all set (more on that later). 

Plastic has the ability to leech into your meals when it's heated, even if the label deems the container "microwave safe." In fact, that label only takes into account the "gross misshaping" of plastic, when there could be some concerning reactions happening under the surface: "At the microscopic level, plastic gets shaved off and absorbs into food with heat," Trasande notes. The best (and simplest) way to avoid ingesting those plastics, he says, is to keep it away from the microwave altogether.

That said, if your plastic looks damaged, it might not be from your average wear-and-tear: "It signals that the protective layer has been undermined," Trasande notes. And the more that layer erodes, the more chemicals can ultimately absorb into your food. "If it's obviously scratched or broken, it's time to throw it away," Trasande advises. 

Endocrine disrupters like BPAs may be common, but you do have the power to limit your exposure—especially in your own household. You certainly don't have to toss your Tupperware, per se, but make sure you're mindful of how you use and clean your plastic. Easy tweaks can keep your BPA exposure to a minimum; or, better yet, invest in glass containers for all your meal prep needs.