What is Bishenol A (BPA) and why is it in my drinking water?

Bishenol A - is commonly called BPA is chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is an organic synthetic compound with the chemical formula (CH3) 2C 2, belonging to the group of diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols, with two hydroxyphenyl groups. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic solvents, but poorly soluble in water. It has been in commercial use since 1957. BPA meets the definition of a Priority Chemical under the Toxic Free Kids Act because it is endocrine active, infants and children are more likely to be exposed, it is widely used, and it has been found widely in people.

BPA breaks down in surface water within a few days. Although drinking water is a possible source of exposure to BPA, the primary source of human exposure is through consumption of food and beverages that have been packaged, stored or served in polycarbonate plastics. Polycarbonate plastics are very durable, but BPA can leech if the packaging is old or has been heated to high temperatures. Infants and children are expected to have higher rates of exposure to BPA due to larger amounts of consumption (of things like canned baby formula) versus smaller body weights.

Health Impact of Bisphenol A (BPA)

The primary health concern surrounding BPA is that it acts as a weak estrogen, and could potentially cause developmental, reproductive, and systemic changes in people, children especially, who are exposed to this water & foodborne contaminant.

It's worth noting that upon ingestion, nearly all BPA that enters the body is metabolized by the intestines and liver into BPA-glucuronide, a non-hormonal chemical that is quickly removed through urination. Regulatory guidelines take this into account and require that official studies use ingestion, the most likely route of exposure, rather than other forms of administration. These studies have shown that relatively large amounts of BPA, well above normal exposure levels from food packaging, can be administered before any effects are observed.

Much of the controversy surrounding BPA stems from the sometimes vast differences in results between these large regulatory studies and those in which the chemical is injected directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. These studies show developmental and reproductive effects at much lower levels.

Still, despite a great number of studies both large and small, the long-term health effects of routine low-level exposure to BPA are largely unknown. There is so far no evidence that it is carcinogenic, and most agencies responsible for regulating the use of such chemicals have concluded that current low levels of exposure are safe — although some countries have enacted precautionary bans on the use of BPA in baby bottles and formula packaging.

Epic Water Filters has tested several products for the removal of BPA:
Epic Pure Water Pitcher: >99%
Epic Nano Water Pitcher: >99%
Epic Outdoor Adventure Water Bottle Filter: >99%
Epic Urban Bottle Filter: >99%