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August 30, 2008 4:04:13 CDT

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Feds Warn of Chemical in Plastics

Posted Apr 15, 08 6:11 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – A federal health panel warned today a chemical used to make a slew of everyday plastic items—including baby bottles—could be linked to several types of cancer, early puberty for girls and even hyperactivity, the Washington Post reports. The report urges more study and marks a reversal for the government, which previously rejected health risks associated with bisphenol A (BPA).

"This is breaking new scientific ground," said a scientist at an environmental group. "It says that at very low doses, similar to what people are exposed to now, BPA poses a risk of adverse health conditions." A spokesman for a plastics company said BPA poses no dangers and noted the government report called for more study.

Source Washington Post

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Dr. Brown's Natural Flow and BornFree glass baby bottles are seen on display at Babies"R"Us, Tuesday, March 11, 2008 in Peabody, Mass. The company says they are BPA-free.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
This photo provided by BornFree shows their BPA-free plastic baby bottles.   (AP Photo/BornFree)
A chemical used in plastic items such as baby bottles may pose a health risk, a government agency warned today.   (Shutter Stock)
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