Feds Warn of Chemical in Plastics

A federal health panel warned today a chemical used to make a slew of everyday plastic items—including baby bottles—could be linked to several types of cancer, early puberty for girls and even hyperactivity, the Washington Post reports. The report urges more study and marks a reversal for the government, which previously rejected health risks associated with bisphenol A (BPA).

"This is breaking new scientific ground," said a scientist at an environmental group. "It says that at very low doses, similar to what people are exposed to now, BPA poses a risk of adverse health conditions." A spokesman for a plastics company said BPA poses no dangers and noted the government report called for more study. (More BPA stories.)