The warning “BPA free” on the packaging of some products increases the curiosity of those who see it about what this substance is. After determining the negative effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) on human health, many manufacturers stopped using this substance and added the “BPA Free” label to their products. This approach aims to take into account consumers’ health concerns and offer safer products.
What is BPA?
BPA, which was first synthesized by Aleksandr Dianin in 1891, has been widely used in the coatings of plastic and food and beverage packaging since 1950 due to its low cost and durability. Although it is known that this substance provides a long shelf life to the materials it is used in, it can decompose into microplastics when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. This has led to BPA being classified as a carcinogen due to its negative effects on human health.
BPA can often be found in the inner lining of hard and transparent food containers, water bottles, canned food cans, soda bottles and some metal beverage cans. This substance is used by manufacturers as a binding, hardening, shaping, varnishing and filling material for plastics. Polycarbonate-containing materials stand out especially in materials in the food industry, and BPA draws attention as a basic component in such products.
What does BPA free mean?
Consumers who encounter this expression for the first time say, “What does BPA-free mean?” is also curious about the answer to the question. The phrase “BPA Free” means that BPA is not used in packaging production. Therefore, it emphasizes that the product is safe for health. This label is given when the materials used in production are tested by inspection organizations and confirmed to be BPA-free. Products marked BPA Free are considered more reliable and preferred, especially by consumers who are sensitive to chemicals.
Many countries and international health organizations have implemented regulations and restrictions on the use of BPA. These practices aim to protect consumer health, encouraging limiting the use of products containing BPA and choosing safer ingredients.