Glass Containers Avoid BPA Problem

Q. People are concerned about BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, and other possibly harmful chemicals in plastic containers. Instead of trying to use the “safest” kinds of plastic containers (recycling numbers 2, 4, 5), I bought glass storage containers and stopped using all plastic containers. No more worrying about whether or not the plastic is safe. Problem solved.
A. There is a raging controversy over whether BPA is harmful to human health. This chemical is found in hard plastic containers and in the lining of cans holding foods and beverages such as soup and soft drinks.
The FDA recently refused to ban BPA from food containers even though animal studies show it is a hormonal disruptor. Until the controversy is completely resolved, using glass is a safe option.
If you would like to learn more about BPA and what scientists have uncovered about this potential hormone disruptor, you may want to listen to our interviews with Dr. Fred vom Saal of the University of Missouri, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, or Drs. Linda Binbaum of NIEHS and Louis Guilette of the University of Florida.