Bisphenol A. An industrial chemical that has been used to make plastic since the 1960’s.

You may hear it referred to as BPA when your friends talk about a water bottle left in a hot car.

Many studies have been done on this chemical, including some done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to EPA.gov, animal studies confirmed that BPA “adversely impacts development through multiple pathways.” They proposed some research on the chemical and found it has the same effects.

EPA.gov says, “Evidence from our group and others increasingly supports the hypothesis that endocrine disruptors like BPA exert at least a portion of their developmental effects by altering the epigenome in early development.”

Mayoclinic.org says some research has shown that BPA can seep into our food and drinks from containers made with the chemical.

The clinic says exposure to this chemical is a concern due to possible health effects of BPA on your brain, behavior and the prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.

The Mayo Clinic has recognized this risk and have provided these tips to reducing your exposure:

• Use BPA-free products: Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Look for products labeled as BPA-free.
• Cut back on cans: Reduce your use of canned foods since most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
• Avoid heat: Do not microwave or put your plastic containers in the dishwasher. The plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
• Use alternatives: Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers.

Improvements have already begun when it comes to getting rid of this chemical.

From 2009 to 2013, eight states have banned BPA products, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In 2012, the FDA banned the use of BPA when creating baby bottles.