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BPA - a chemical used in food containers - is so widespread that most people have traces of it in their bodies. But health officials can't decide if that's a problem, or something we all can live with.
Some scientists are concerned that BPA could be harmful, since it mimics some of the effects of estrogen, a powerful hormone. Infants may be particularly vulnerable because their bodies are developing and cannot eliminate the chemical as quickly.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration issued a scientific assessment that BPA is safe and asked independent scientists to review its conclusion. That report - made public Tuesday, Oct. 28,2008, - found that the FDA's science was badly flawed.
The FDA did not consider all the evidence and its margin of safety for human exposure to BPA could be off by a factor of 10 times or more, the outside scientists said.
While the experts sort out the issue, what are the options for worried consumers? <<< Click on the questions at left for some answers:
Credits: AP, FDA
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