Bisphenol-a, or BPA, is commonly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics as well as the epoxy resins that line the inside of most food and beverage cans.
The plastics and coatings made with BPA have many attractive properties. They are, among other things, particularly good at not absorbing flavors or changing the flavor of items stored in them. Polycarbonate looks and feels like glass but is light and difficult to break. Over time, the chemical can leach into the contents of a plastic container, particularly one that is used in a microwave oven or cleaned in a dishwasher.
    BPA鈥檚 potential to disrupt the hormonal system, however, has made its use in plastics for food purposes controversial.
    Some animal studies have found that BPA apparently accelerates puberty and poses a cancer risk, and, while the issue's focus has been on the safety of children, the chemical has also been tied to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes in adults. But in a draft risk assessment in 2008, the Food and Drug Administration said that at levels found in products on the American market, it appeared to be safe.
    A report issued in April 2008 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services鈥 National Toxicology Program cited 鈥渟ome concern for neural and behavioral effects in fetuses, infants, and children at current human exposures.鈥
    The government of Canada went further that same month. After seven years of study, it listed BPA as a toxic substance under its environmental protection act. Because of that listing, it has introduced regulations that will ban selling, advertising, manufacturing or importing baby bottles made with BPA-related plastics. It will also work with industry to minimize or eliminate BPA-based linings in cans used for infant formula.
    The Canadian review, however, found 鈥渘egligible risk鈥 from BPA to those older than 18 months.
    Despite that, most of Canada鈥檚 largest retailers swiftly removed all food-related BPA products from their shelves.
    No significant studies have suggested that other, widespread uses of BPA, which include everything from sunglasses to computer cases, pose any health risk.
On May 13, 2009, the City Council unanimously adopted a measure making Chicago the nation's first city to ban the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups manufactured with BPA.
    Passage was driven by what Chicago officials call federal regulators' failure to take action on a grave public health issue.

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