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"Concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the manufacture of many plastics, have been brewing for a while now. Some studies have indicated that being exposed to too much of it could hurt the development of babies and young children and lead to early puberty. That&amp;#039;s why many parents switched to glass baby bottles, and many grownups\u2014worried that BPA might cause reproductive problems or even cancer or heart disease\u2014started buying BPA-free water bottles. But you might not realize that this chemical is likely lurking in your canned foods, too. A recent study from Consumer Reports found that many canned foods, including vegetables, juices and soups, have significant amounts of BPA. The reason: Metal cans often have an epoxy resin lining that&amp;#039;s made with BPA. Interestingly, their tested found that some canned foods had higher levels of BPA than foods sold in plastic containers. But even more troubling is the fact that even some foods packaged in cans labeled &amp;quot;BPA-free&amp;quot; contained this chemical. Before you panic, you should know that most BPA studies have been done on animals, and the evidence that humans might be harmed by it is inconclusive. And most experts agree that a small amount of BPA exposure is unavoidable and probably harmless. The question is, are you getting too much\u2014and what can you do about it? For now, the strongest evidence about BPA being harmful focuses on young children. So if you haven&amp;#039;t already switched to BPA-free bottles and sippy cups, do it now. Other ways to reduce exposure (for you and your kids), according to the National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: -Don&amp;#039;t put polycarbonate plastic (the clear, lightweight kind) in the microwave. Wash plastics by hand (not in the dishwasher). -Don&amp;#039;t serve hot foods or drinks in plastic bowls/cups. (Porcelain, glass, or stainless steel is safer.) -Eat fresh foods (rather than canned ones) whenever you can. -Avoid plastic containers with #7 printed on the bottom. \u2014Barbara Brody, Health Editor "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/a44085/theres-bpa-in-that-3924/>