Controversy Continues After Panel Rules on Bisphenol A

Abstract

A federal advisory panel has poured itself the proverbial half-glass of water after digesting the latest studies on the human health risks of an estrogenlike chemical used to make plastics. The chemical industry has proclaimed that the panel's verdict last week confirms its contention that bisphenol A is safe. But environmentalists say the report has been tainted by industry and downplays the risks. Away from the fray, some scientists say the panel's comments about the chemical's effects on the developing brain represent heightened concern compared with previous formal reviews.