Resources on Plastic Safety

Current labeling makes it difficult to determine whether a product contains the hormonally active chemical bisphenol A (BPA) as well as an entire group of compounds known as phthalates, about which scientists have also raised questions.

The following reports may help:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration:  Science Board subcommittee draft assessment of bisphenol A for use in food contact applications (9/16/2008) . . . and consideration by full committee (10/31/08)

 Links to a wealth of information on BPA safety from government, environmental groups and industry sources.

Environmental Working Group: Cosmetic Safety Database of phthalate-free health products.

Nonprofit lists phthalate-free toys.

Magazine's advice on plastics to parents of babies.

An advisory, "Hard Questions About a Hard Plastic."

Industry group Q&A on plastics safety.

NIH program's draft report two weeks ago triggered the recent news coverage.

 "Since You Asked - Bisphenol A," also NIH. 

Independent group puts out a Smart Plastics Guide. 

Magazine's Green Guide compiles past research and advice to parents.