Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been used for many years in the creation of plastic products such as water bottles, food containers, and even baby bottles.

However, over the years, questions were raised about the safety of BPA as it was believed to have harmful side-effects such as hormone disruption, cancer, and neurological damage. Due to these health concerns, many companies started looking for alternatives and found Bisphenol-S (BPS). But is BPS really any better than BPA? Let’s examine whether BPS and BPA are two peas in a pod.

What is BPS?

Bisphenol-S (BPS) is a chemical that is structurally very similar to BPA and was introduced as an alternative to BPA in many plastic products.

It shares BPA’s main characteristics as a plasticizer, a substance added to plastics to improve flexibility. Some manufacturers have claimed that BPS is safer than BPA, but there is evidence that suggests otherwise.

BPS and Health Risks

Just as with BPA, BPS can cause health problems. There is evidence to suggest that BPS can also disrupt hormones, just like BPA. Some studies have also shown that BPS has been linked to heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Rats exposed to BPS for several months showed heart damage, as well as abnormal heartbeats and a reduced ability for the heart to contract. Additionally, exposure to BPS in early life can cause difficulties in learning and memory function.

These effects were seen in levels of BPS that are likely to be found in humans in their daily lives.

BPA and Health Risks

BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it can mimic and alter hormones in the body by altering the hormones that are essential for the body’s endocrine system to function correctly.

It is feared that regular exposure to BPA could have damaging effects on the body’s endocrine system, leading to an increased risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other hormone-related cancers.

Is BPS a Safe Alternative to BPA?

The truth is that many of the products that claim to be “BPA-free” have replaced BPA with BPS, but this replacement may not necessarily make these products safer.

Research studies have shown that while the levels of BPS that we are exposed to are smaller than those of BPA, they are still high enough to have detrimental effects on our health. Just like BPA, BPS can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and cause hormonal disruptions.

While it is true that some studies have suggested that BPS may be less toxic than BPA, it is still too early to declare that BPS is a safe alternative.

Further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of this substitute, and whether it is safe to use for both adults and children.

How to Avoid BPA and BPS

As more evidence comes to light on the dangers of both BPA and BPS, it’s essential to take steps to reduce or eliminate exposure to these chemicals. Here are some steps you can take to limit your exposure to BPA and BPS:.

Avoid plastic containers altogether whenever possible.
If using plastic containers, do not heat them in microwaves.
Drink water from glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic ones.
Choose glass containers or ceramics for food storage instead of plastic.
Use baby bottles that are made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned foods.
Read labels to see if the products contain BPA or BPS.

The Bottom Line

BPA has been a long-standing cause of concern due to its toxic effects on the human body. The introduction of BPS, which was touted to be safer, has not entirely eliminated the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.

Both BPA and BPS can disrupt hormones and cause other health issues. So while the replacement of BPA with BPS may reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, there is no guarantee that it is a safe alternative.

It’s essential to opt for safer alternatives and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals whenever possible.