The BPA scare of 2008 is back! Turns out that your old Lexan Nalgene is the least of your worries. 10 things you need to stop buying now to avoid BPA.

"The U.S. government is following Canada's lead in recognizing the harmful effects of BPA on our children's health. It's a significant change in direction, given that less than two years ago the FDA said bisphenol A (BPA) posed no health risks," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence.

The United States Food and Drug Administration just reversed its earlier position on BPA, now agreeing that the chemical poses 'some concern' for the health of fetuses, infants, and young children, particularly on brain development, prostate gland development, and behaviour. And continuing scientific evidence points out that even minute amounts of BPA can disrupt hormones, wrecking havoc on your endocrine system.

"Canadians should be proud of the leadership our federal government has taken on this issue, including banning BPA in all baby bottles and working to get it out of infant formula cans. Today's announcement, however, underlines the urgency of going even further," said Smith.

Smith warns, "Though the Canadian government deserves congratulations for leading the way thus far, it is now time to ban BPA.”

In 2008, the Bisphenol A (BPA) scare was so strong that millions of campers rushed into their local outdoor stores purchasing the new and healthy stainless steel and aluminum alternatives such as Klean Canteens and Sigg bottles and throwing out their old Nalgene (#7 plastic) waterbottles.

So, with all precautions taken and our old camping water bottles put to other uses, what’s killing us now? Well, it turns out your old Lexan waterbottle was the least of your worries. BPA is in everything! Your energy drink, the DVD you just bought and the ink from the cashier receipt.

10 Things that have BPA!

To help you navigate this BPA scare, Canoeroots magazine has compiled a list for you of what products to avoid that contain BPA in everyday life. And if you want the low-down on the five toxins in your camping gear, you’ll have to consult “Detox Your Pack: The Scary Truth About Chemicals in Your Camping Gear” which will be in Canoeroots new issue (available on newsstands February 2010).

1) Energy and Soft Drinks

The lining of aluminum cans is laced with BPA and high acid content of these drinks leaches more BPA into the drink. Health Canada recently studied soft drinks and discovered that Rock Energy Drink had 4.5 micrograms of BPA per litre.

2) Canned Tomatoes and Pasta Sauce

All cans are lined with BPA (with the exception of Eden Organic). The high acidity of these foods helps to leach more BPA from the lining. Canned tomatoes and ravioli have been sited for having the highest levels of BPA according to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group.

3) Liquid Infant Formula

Most packages of infant formula contain BPA, however powdered formula contains less BPA than liquid formulas—eight to twenty times less.

4) Baby Food

Most baby food comes in plastic jars but BPA lines the tops of the metal jar tops. This is also true for all canning jars as well. Health Canada found levels of BPA in all baby foods.

5) Canned Tuna

The fat content of the tuna readily absorbs the BPA in the can lining and makes tuna a primary source of BPA exposure.  

6) Beer

Beer in cans contains BPA. Chossing glass bottles instead minimizes exposure.

7) Canned Fruit and Fruit Juices

The acidic content of the fruit leaches out the BPA from the lining. Eat fresh fruits instead.

8) Canned Soup

A study found that canned soup has the highest levels of BPA.

9) Ink

Ink found in many paper products and especially receipts from cash registers and credit card machines contain levels of BPA.

10) CD’s and DVD’s

Polycarbonate (PC) resins are used to manufacture these products.

Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net