According to an article in the New York Times, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has changed its position on the controversial chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA) and is now calling into question its safety to the public. This is in direct contrast to their decision in 2008 that indicated that BPA was in fact safe. In changing their decision, the FDA is joining several other countries that have either voiced concern or banned the use of BPA.

BPA is widely used in a variety of plastic products and hard plastic containers, and it can leech into the foods and liquids that comes in contact with it. Because BPA is so widely used, it is seemingly ubiquitous in the population, and the research supports this. Studies have determined that BPA is prevalent in as many as 90% of the study population and was found to be in urine, breast milk, and umbilical cord blood of babies.

This is of particular concern because BPA is known to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it can mimic hormones in the body that could affect growth and maturity, especially during early development. It has also been cited as a “cause for concern” in regards to obesity, neurological disorders, thyroid function, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Although the FDA has stated that, at least for now, there is no definitive proof of its harmful effects, some European countries have called for its ban in the use of baby products, and Canada has listed it as a toxic substance. Even in this country, many manufacturers of baby bottles have discontinued its use.

In doing an “about-face,” the FDA is contradicting previous claims that the chemical was only cause for “some concern.” This is refueling a contentious debate, pitting the medical establishment against the chemical industry regarding the chemical’s safety.

To hopefully add some clarity to the situation, the government plans to spend $30 million over then next 18 to 24 months to investigate the potential health effects of BPA on animals and humans. Until the time, it might be instructive to employ certain percautionary practices until more information is available.

In order to reduce your potential exposure to BPA, which can be identified in plastic products by the #7 recycling symbol, health experts recommend that plastic bottles that are worn or scratched be discarded or replaced because the damage to the surface can be a source of leeching. Avoid exposing BPA containers to high temperatures, which would include hot beverages (coffee or tea), microwave cooking, and certain dishwasher cycles.

These situations might be particularly relevant if you are pregnant or have a newborn. In fact, the FDA recommends that new mothers breast feed their children for the first 12 months due to the fact that formula has traces of BPA in it (it’s used in the containers and the liners of the cans).

For more information on BPA, check out the website for the National Institutes of Health.