BPA has been found in 96% of canned beverages, like colas, energy drinks and sodas.

When it comes to avoiding BPA, you also have to think twice about reaching for your favorite soda or energy drink.

Tests by Health Canada revealed the highest levels were in energy drinks, the often caffeine-loaded beverages that have become popular with teenagers seeking a buzz, and athletes chasing a quick pick-me-up.

But the study also found BPA in a wide variety of ginger ales, diet colas, root beers and citrus-flavoured sodas.

No brand names were mentioned in the findings.

Separately, Coca-Cola shareholders recently voted on a proposal asking the company to disclose how it is responding to public concerns about the safety of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in the epoxy lining of Coca-Cola’s canned beverages.

The presence of BPA in canned beverages is of particular concern when you consider who drinks the most sodas. That’s right – your kids.

Here is a quick reminder of some of the health effects of exposure to BPA.

• Early onset of puberty, and stimulation of mammary gland development in females

• Changes in gender-specific behavior

• Changes in hormones, including decreased testosterone

• Increased prostate size

• Decreased sperm production

• Altered immune function

• Behavioral effects including hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning and other changes in behavior.

The presence of BPA in canned drinks should be of concern to all of us.

The simplest remedy, for now, is to buy sodas and other beverages in plastic bottles. These bottles are generally made of plastic type #1, and do not apparently leach any dangerous chemicals.

But then again, who wants to buy even more plastic?