The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make many plastic products used in American homes, including baby bottles. Recently, two expert panels examined whether BPA is likely to have adverse effects on human health. Two scientsts answered your questions on BPA.
Dr. Retha Newbold is a developmental reproductive biologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, where she studies the effects of low doses of BPA on mice. She was a member of a panel of 38 scientists who published a report in the Journal Reproductive Toxicology in August that found that studies in mice suggested that BPA exposure could be harmful to humans.
Dr. L. Earl Gray is a research toxicologist at the Environmental Protection Agency. He was a member of the National Toxicology Program's BPA expert panel, which found "minimal concern" for BPA's ability to affect adult reproductive health.
Editor's Note: Dr. L. Earl Gray provided a summary response to viewer questions on BPA. Excerpts of his response are posted in the forum, but in some cases, no specific answer was provided.
Transcript: Chemical Used in Common Household Plastics Sparks Concerns