Plastics are pervasive in our environment. News stories frequently surface about microplastics and the potentially dangerous chemicals present in plastics (such as bisphenol A (BPA). In December 2012 the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of BPA in baby bottles after a slew of research showed detrimental effects to development and health. Since then, plastic companies have been marketing water bottles and other plastic goods as “BPA-free.” However, most of us don’t know what BPA-free plastics are made of and how they may affect our health.

What are bisphenols?

Bisphenols are a group of chemical compounds used as building blocks for some plastics. They help make plastic strong, durable and, most importantly, clear. After bans on BPA began to take effect in the U.S., BPA was replaced with other bisphenols such as Bisphenol AF and Bisphenol E. But the most common replacement is Bisphenol S (BPS).

BPS is now extremely prevalent in plastic products, even those labeled as “BPA-free.” Baby bottles, microwaveable containers, toys, textiles and even the coating of cash register receipts can contain BPS. Recent studies have found that 87.8% of urine samples from children and adolescents in the U.S. and 78% of whole blood samples from adults in China contained BPS. Scientists are still researching the effects of BPS, but studies are showing they cause many of the same health problems as BPA.

What’s the harm?

Studies on the cardiovascular system have shown damage to the cells that line the blood vessels and impaired blood vessel function. This dysfunction is associated with the development of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, BPS has been shown to quickly weaken the heart’s ability to contract and function by altering calcium signals. BPS exposure is also associated with the development of diabetes and obesity. Prenatal exposure may even affect fetal growth and development.

What can you do to protect yourself?

As research continues to unveil the hidden dangers of these chemicals that are the building blocks of plastic, it becomes increasingly clear that replacing BPA with similar compounds continues to put public health at risk. The challenge is that plastics are so widespread in our environment that they are nearly impossible to avoid. While you can take steps to avoid plastic products, the most effective way to limit exposure to BPS will be encouraging change in the plastic industry to move away from using bisphenols and other harmful compounds.