Concern about the potential health effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely used in consumer plastic products, is growing, following the release this week of a draft report from the US National Toxicology Program (NTP). Water bottle manufacturer Nalgene announced April 18 it would phase out use of BPA in its containers in response to public concern about the chemical.
For those who are concerned about BPA exposure, the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends these steps:
* Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break down from over use at high temperatures.
* Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on the bottom.
More information is available from the American Cancer Society.