Are BPA-free plastics really safe?

Are BPA-free plastics really safe?

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

Many parents buy BPA-free plastic because they think it's safer for their children. A new scientific study says that might not be risk-free after all.

BPA is a chemical used in plastics to make it hard.  It was banned by the FDA for use in things like baby bottles and sippy cups. Tests showed there might be cancer risks for fetuses and children when the chemical leaches into their systems.

Here's the problem:  the replacement for BPA is called BPS, and a new independent studies show BPS might be actually worse.  This news doesn't surprise a research scientist at Emory University's School of Public Health.  

Professor Dana Barr says the problem is that the law allows for untested chemicals to be used in everyday products.  According to Barr, chemicals don't have to be proven safe. Instead, it's  what she calls "safe until proven toxic."

Experts in the field will tell you that this is very confusing for the average consumer, and the FDA complicates it.  In this case, the government said in 2008 BPA was safe, then in 2010 expressed concerns about health risks, and ultimately banned it. For more information on the issue, click here!

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
    For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios.  But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    May 16, 2013 10:39 PM 2013-05-17 15:16:51 GMT
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
    The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
    A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

Powered by WorldNow

KSAZ-TV & KUTP
511 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: (602) 257-1234
Fax: (602) 262-0177

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices