Bisphenol, Eh?

Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been making a lot of news this week as a group of 38 independent scientists sounded the alarm concerning health risks posed by the chemical, which is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins and is commonly found in such things as (ee gads!) baby bottles and sippy cups -- not to mention canned goods and water bottles. Meanwhile, a panel assembled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that these concerns are largely overblown and the health risks to the general population minimal, it did register "some concern" over BPA exposure in infants and fetuses. Critics say the NIH report was skewed in favor of the chemical industry. While this gets sorted out (if it ever does), US News takes the sensible step of advising folks who want to 'play it safe' how to avoid the prevalent and controversial chemical.

National Geographic's Green Guide has more on what to look for and what to avoid. Oh, and I should also note that Sierra magazine was on the case four years ago.

Update: For concerned parents of toddlers, you might also check out the Sippy Cup Showdown on the kid-gear blog called Z Recommends. They follow up with a baby bottle version of the showdown here.