In recent years, you’ve probably heard quite a bit about bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA. What is it? BPA is an industrial chemical found within polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that has been used in the manufacture of various plastics and resins since the 1960s. Polycarbonate plastics often are used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. They’re also used in other consumer goods. BPA also has been used for years as a color developer in the production of thermal labels and receipts.