Plastics Chemical of 'Some Concern' for Fetal, Child Health

Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many plastics and resins, may present some risk to a developing fetus and children, a U.S. government panel concluded yesterday.

BPA is chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and several types of resins. It is found in products used everyday such as compact discs, DVDs, baby bottles and other food and drink packaging. It is also commonly found in cars, sports safety equipment and water pipes.

"The panel's finding means that we cannot dismiss the fact that exposure to this substance may be causing effects on reproductive health," CERHR Director Michael D. Shelby said. However, "It's going to take more research to verify what those effects are," he said.

In addition, exposure to BPA has been blamed for a variety of other problems, including cancer, diabetes, obesity and attention deficit disorder. Exposure to BPA can occur through direct contact or by exposure to food or drink that has been in contact with material containing BPA.