As Seen On TV: BPA Safety Guide

Oct. 29, 2008— -- Questions linger about the safety of a chemical, bisphenol A or BPA, found in many plastics, including baby bottles, water bottles and plastic containers. Just two months ago, the Food and Drug Administration said that BPA is safe at current levels. But now a group of experts is firing back, accusing the FDA of ignoring evidence about health risks.

Worried about BPA? One way to check if BPA could be in your plastic baby bottles and containers in your home is to look for the number "7" in a triangle on the bottom of your hard, translucent or clear plastics. If so, they may not be as safe as the Food and Drug Administration has promised. You can also call the manufacturer because not all plastics with the number "7" contain BPA.

Safety First! Check out the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles and formula. The group says to stay away from plastic bottle liners, to use glass bottles instead of plastic, and to use a clear, silicone nipple to avoid allergic reactions. You can also check out Baby center's guide to safe feeding alternatives, where it has tips to keep in mind when choosing a bottle.

The Environmental Working Group answers common questions about BPA, like what it is, how to spot it, and consumer products that are BPA-free.

Want to know how you can limit your exposure? Check out this article that lists easy ways to cut back on BPA.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says that you can reduce BPA exposure for the entire family by avoiding the microwave and cutting back on canned food.

For more information on what the FDA said today, check out its statement on the uncertainties about the risk posed by BPA in some studies.