Bishpenol A

The first large study of humans exposed to a chemical widely used in everyday plastics has found that people with higher levels of bisphenol A had higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities.

Despite more than 100 studies by government-funded scientists and university laboratories that have linked BPA exposure to health effects in animals, the Food and Drug Administration has deemed it safe, largely on the basis of two studies funded by the chemical industry.

• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate may break down from overuse at high temperatures and release BPA. (Manufacturers are not required to disclose whether an item contains BPA, but polycarbonate containers that do usually have a No. 7 on the bottom.)
• Reduce use of canned foods, especially acidic foods such as tomatoes, that can accelerate leaching of BPA from the plastic can linings. Opt for soups, vegetables and other items packaged in cardboard "brick" cartons, made of safer layers of aluminum and polyethylene plastic (labeled No. 2)
• Switch to glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
• Use baby bottles that are BPA-free; in the last year, most major manufacturers have developed plastic baby bottles made without BPA.

Excerpted from an article by Lyndsey Layton, Washington Post, September 17, 2008