BPA-Free Plastics May Pose Similar Health Risks With BPS Alternative
This is an editorial summary of research originally reported by Endocrinology Journal / University of Calgary. ProductSafer does not claim ownership of the underlying research. All intellectual property belongs to the original publishers.
Research may be outdated. This finding is over 18 months old. The underlying science may have been updated. Check the original source for the latest position.
Some BPA-free plastics contain BPS, a chemical that has affected heart rhythm in rat studies and can mimic estrogen, similar to the restricted BPA. If you've switched to BPA-free products thinking they're safer, you may still be exposed to harmful chemicals with similar effects.
After widespread concern about bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to harden plastics and line food cans, manufacturers pivoted to "BPA-free" products using substitutes like bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). The problem: these alternatives appear to carry many of the same risks.
A 2019 study published in *Endocrinology* found that BPS caused irregular heartbeats in female rats at concentrations found in human blood samples. A separate study from the University of Calgary showed that BPS altered brain development in zebrafish in ways that mirror BPA's effects.
- BPS and BPF are structurally similar to BPA and bind to estrogen receptors
- They are at least as resistant to degradation as BPA, meaning they persist in the environment
- Some studies suggest they may leach from plastics when exposed to heat
- Water bottles and food containers labeled "BPA-free"
- Thermal receipt paper (absorbed through skin)
- Canned food linings
- Baby bottles (some brands)
- Glass or stainless steel containers for food and drink
- Avoid microwaving food in any plastic container
- Decline printed receipts where possible, or wash hands after handling them
What you can doAI-generated
- ✓Check whether your reusable water bottles and food containers labeled "BPA-free" are made of glass or stainless steel instead, since BPS in BPA-free plastics leaches at similar or higher rates than the original BPA when heated.
- ✓Transfer canned foods to glass containers if you plan to store them, since BPS is commonly found in can linings and can leach into food over time.
- ✓Avoid microwaving food in any plastic container, including those marked "BPA-free," because heat causes BPS and other bisphenols to leach from the plastic at higher rates.
- ✓When purchasing baby bottles, specifically verify they are made of glass or stainless steel rather than plastic labeled BPA-free, since BPS carries similar risks to cardiac function and hormone disruption as the original BPA.
Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice.
Safer alternatives
Upgrade to glass or stainless steel water bottles — zero plastic leaching
Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Read the full report at the original source
Endocrinology Journal / University of CalgaryWas this finding useful?
Community discussion
Join the discussion
Comments are reviewed before appearing publicly.