How dangerous is the chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA)? According to an independent panel of scientific advisers, it’s much more dangerous than a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report suggested.

BPA is a chemical used to harden plastics and is found in several products including baby bottles, plastic food packaging, and the lining of food cans.

The panel charges that the FDA ignored scientific evidence and used flawed methods when it issued its draft risk assessment of BPA in August stating that an “adequate margin of safety” existed for BPA exposure. The FDA stated that the small amounts of BPA that migrate from food containers into the food they hold are not dangerous to infants or adults.

The panel, set up specifically to review the FDA's risk assessment of BPA, said that the FDA had relied on industry-funded studies and ignored a mountain of data including more than 100 scientific studies that have linked BPA to health problems in laboratory animals including breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, hyperactivity and reproductive problems. The panel also questioned the methods used in the FDA studies to determine the levels of BPA in infant formula, concluding that the FDA report "creates a false sense of security” and recommending that the agency redo its risk assessment.

Environmental groups want to ban BPA in infant products because the chemical can mimic the effects of the hormone estrogen and interfere with their development. Infants may be at increased risk of exposure because their kidneys do not eliminate the chemical from the body as fast as adults. Babies can be exposed to BPA through bottles and through baby formula packaged in containers made with the chemical, including cans.

If you want to lessen your family’s exposure to BPA, you can avoid eating foods from plastic containers labeled with the number 7 (usually found on the bottom of the container, inside the recycle symbol), which often contain BPA. You can also limit your use of canned foods and infant formula, most of which come in cans lined with BPA.

Have more questions about BPA and other food contaminants? The members and health experts of Healia Health Communities are waiting to help you.

_{Photo: iMorpheus, Flickr, Creative Commons}