More Calls to Avoid BPA

If you can't pronounce it, it's bad for you.

That rule of thumb may sound simplistic, but two words in the news are doing a lot to boost its street cred.

Phthalates and Bisphenol A.

Phthalates are plastic softeners and Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a plastic hardener, commonly found in medical tubing, hard plastic water bottles, baby bottles, dental fillings, and food can and packaging linings. If a plastic is marked with a #7 recycle code, it likely contains BPA.

Notice that BPA is in the very things we look to to stay healthy; yet, a series of recent studies have cast doubt on its safety. And that's in addition to existing research tying the chemical to breast cancer, thyroid dysfunction and neurological issues.

A recent Consumer Reports study found that, among other things, Campbell's Soup contained significant levels of BPA as a result of the chemical's use in the can lining. As a result, Change.org has petitioned the company to stop using it, an effort which the company has flat-out stonewalled.

The FDA, which is tasked with regulating BPA, reversed course last week and expressed "some concern" about the chemical's safety.

Turns out "some concern" actually means a specific thing: It's halfway between "negligible concern" and "serious concern." But how helpful is that, really, to the average consumer?

This thing has hit the big time, though, and the New York Times editorial board is calling for a more consumer-friendly approach from regulators. And the paper is advising consumers to avoid BPA effective immediately.

Since the Grey Lady's ed board doesn't really tend to cry wolf on these things — this is, after all, the paper that reported in measured tones that the government was listening in on millions of Americans' phone conversations — that's a pretty serious suggestion.

BPA: Your days are numbered.