Good for you

http://www.daylife.com/photo/02aU3L4cVYd4Y

On today’s Morning Edition, NPR’s Jon Hamilton reported on the progress of a federal proposal (outlined in this press release) introduced lat month to restrict bisphenol A (BPA) use as a plastic additive.

BPA can be found in the lightweight, shatter resistant plastics used to make eyeglasses, CDs, medical equipment and reusable food and drink containers, according to the American Chemistry Council.

A press release from sponsoring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) reports that research has shown that side effects of BPA exposure may include early onset of puberty, hyperactivity, lowered sperm count, and miscarriage.

The proposed bill, dubbed the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009, would ban the use of BPA in  food and beverage containers like baby bottles and canned food.

Companies like Camelbak and Rubbermaid have already started selling BPA free products which are usually labeled as such (Rubbermaid actually has a BPA website that outlines which of its products contain BPA and which are BPA free).

To learn more, check out this Q&A sponsored by The Boston Globe’s Green Blog.  One of the most interesting things I discovered is that sticking your stored leftovers in the microwave along with their BPA containers can significantly increase BPA leaching.  Next time, I’m using a plate.