Can This Compound

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used as an epoxy lining for cans and plastic bottles.  A number of published studies suggest that BPA is an endocrine disruptor – a compound that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.  Yun-Chul Hong, from the Seoul National University College of Medicine (South Korea), and colleagues enrolled 60 Korean men and women, ages 60 years and older, to consume soy milk contained in either cans or glass bottles. Urine samples were collected and tested for BPA concentration; blood pressure and heart rate variability were measured two hours after consumption of each beverage.  The team observed that urinary BPA concentration increased by up to 1,600 percent after consuming canned beverages, as compared to that using glass bottles.  Importantly, systolic blood pressure rose by 4.5 mm Hg in the group drinking from cans.  The study authors submit that: “The present study demonstrated that consuming canned beverage and consequent increase of BPA exposure increase blood pressure acutely.”