682 Health News Update

Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound found in hard clear plastic, has come under intense scrutiny lately. The National Toxicology Program issued a report acknowledging that it might harm humans, especially infants. Health Canada announced it may ban the compound from baby bottles. We talk with a biological researcher, Dr. Fred vom Saal, about this hormone disrupter. You know about the germs lurking in your kitchen sink, but have you ever thought about the ones you are tracking into the house on your shoes? Dr. Chuck Gerba says they are worth worrying about, especially if there are small children in the household. A stop-smoking drug called Chantix has become very popular. But epidemiologist Curt Furberg says the side effects can be hazardous to public health. People operating machinery such as airplanes, cranes or vehicles may lose consciousness or control. A People’s Pharmacy/iGuard survey shows that muscle aches and pains are common among people taking statin cholesterol medicines. iGuard is a community for patients to learn about risk and interaction concerns as well as share feedback. www.iGuard.org. Explore the stories behind the health headlines. Guests: Frederick vom Saal, PhD, is professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri. Charles Gerba, PhD, is professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Curt Furberg, MD, is professor of public health sciences at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.