A federal health panel recently acknowledged concerns that a chemical in everyday products, such as baby bottles and CDs, may cause cancer and other serious disorders. The draft report by the National Toxicology Program signaled a turning point in the government's position on bisphenol-a, or BPA -- so common in the U.S. that it's been detected in the urine of 93 percent of the population over 6.
Used in plastic production since the 1950s, BPA in lab animals may be linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, early puberty in females and behavioral changes, according to the study. It called for more research.
Consumers anxious to reduce their exposure to BPA won't find the going easy. Labeling of plastic ingredients is not required in all cases, making it hard for consumers to confidently identify all products containing phthalates or BPA. But there are some steps people can take to lower possible risk, experts say.
• Avoid placing hot food or liquids in plastic containers. Use glass, ceramic or stainless-steel containers instead. Heating plastics promotes the leaching of chemicals into the food or liquid they hold. (CLICK for rest of article...similar reports from Canada). Thanks to the Gerber Clearview Bottles (above right) for making an appearance on short notice.
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