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REGION: North America
TOPIC: Health
Online NewsHour
FORUM
Posted: October 30, 2007

Experts Discuss Bisphenol A

 Forum Introduction
Baby bottle: Photo credit FDA 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.
QUESTIONS
Is there an online source to determine which plastics contain BPA?
Does my filtered water pitcher contain BPA?
What is my likely exposure level to BPA? What level is dangerous?
How does BPA get from a plastic water bottle into the water?
Do softer plastic bottles contain BPA?
Does BPA pose a risk to me as an adult?
Should I have my baby tested for exposure to BPA?
How may patients be exposed to BPA through dental sealants?
Does heat affect the release of BPA?
Josh Pearce of Durham, N.C., asks
We have a PUR filtered water pitcher. Obviously, if it contains BPA we are exposed daily. How can I find out if it does?
ANSWERS
Retha Newbold responds:
Retha Newbold responds:

I suggest contacting the manufacturer and asking if these products contain BPA. Currently there is no way to tell if an item contains BPA and at what levels it may be present.

Earl Gray responds:
Earl Gray responds:

There are many, many sources of information about BPA in plastics on the Web. Some are from NGOs and others are industry Web sites. I would suggest that one just search on google or some other search engine for "BPA plastics" and read a variety of these from both sides of the issue to get a balanced idea of the controversy about this chemical and its purported toxicity.

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