BPA

Could stainless steel replace plastic baby bottles? From stainless steel water bottle company Pura, Pura Kiki is a colorful line of baby bottles ($16 each) that convert into sippy cups. They're BPA-, phthalate-, and plastic-free, making them a seemingly safe option for new mamas. Unlike breakable glass bottles, stainless steel can be dropped or thrown and still be no worse for the wear. The bottles are compatible with most major brand's nipples (including Born Free, Dr. Browns, and Think Baby) and can be converted into sippy cups with a simple switch of the nipple. To monitor a lil one's liquid intake, the bottles feature interior markings rather than the traditional exterior versions. Would you switch to stainless?

Leaving an LA gym on Saturday, Jake Gyllenhaal sported a Stand Up to Cancer hoodie over his workout attire. It's not the first time we've seen celebrities supporting the charity, but what can you do to fight cancer when it seems like risks are lurking everywhere we turn?

Today, the Environmental Working Group released its nine tips for shielding yourself from environmental cancer risks. Environmental toxins play a far more significant role than you may realize, according to a new report from the President's Cancer Panel. Luckily, you can make a few small changes to your home and lifestyle to reduce your exposure to cancer-causing toxins. For the EWG's nine tips, read more

In the locker room at my gym last week, I overheard a woman talking to her friend about replacing all her plastic food containers with glass ones. She said that she doesn't want plastic leaching into her or her family's food. Plastics have been getting a bad rap ever since the whole Nalgene BPA fiasco. I know water bottles containing BPA are bad news, but is it necessary to ditch all reusable plastic food containers, too?

Checking the websites of Ziploc and Glad, you learn that the reusable plastic containers made by both companies do not contain cancer-causing BPA. Plus, there is a bevy of BPA-free containers out there to choose from. While that is all very reassuring, what happens when reusable plastic containers are heated in the microwave? To find out the truth, read more

Last year I told you about a Consumer Reports study, which detected bisphenol A (BPA) in the inner lining of most canned goods. And while the FDA has yet to ban the use of BPA in food packaging, it did announce earlier this year that the industrial chemical may pose some concern. As a result, the government agency is investing $30 million into a more comprehensive study on the effects BPA has on infants and adults.

In the meantime, those of you who are worried about your exposure should make sure your to-go containers and water bottles are BPA-free. Unfortunately, most canned goods are still made using BPA. In these instances it might be best to seek out foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags. As I said earlier, most canned goods are made with BPA, but not all of them! The eco-conscious folks at Treehugger were kind enough to round up a list of seven companies making BPA-free canned goods.

1. Eden Organic canned beans, grains, and chilis
2. Vital Choice Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) cerified salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and mackerel
3. Oregon's Choice MSC certified albacore
4. Eco Fish albacore tuna
5. Wild Planet skipjack and albacore tunas
6. Trader Joe's canned corn, canned beans, canned fish, canned poultry, and canned beef
7. Edward & Sons Native Forest and Nature Factor goods of fruits, vegetables, chutneys, and coconut milk

While there have been previous studies, linking bisphenol A (BPA), found in hard plastics, to health problems, including precancerous tumors, prostate cancer, and brain damage, a new study, conducted in China, substantiates its claims with results in humans. In one of the first studies of its kind to be conducted on humans, researchers are finding that much of what they've previously seen in animal studies holds true — men exposed to significant amounts of BPA are at greater risk of sexual health problems.

The study compared the levels of sexual dysfunction in two groups of male factory workers — one group, which was exposed to high levels of BPA, while the other was not. The overall findings of the research reveal that when BPA enters the body, it may mimic estrogen, and block male sex hormones from functioning. In the males who were exposed to high levels of BPA, researchers observed that the risk of erectile dysfunction was four times that of a man not exposed to the chemicals.

According Dr. Rebecca Sokol, the director of the andrology program at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, and specialist in the effects of toxins on the reproductive system, these are some "compelling results." She notes that, "It's not cause and effect, but when you have the kind of ambient air quality assessment that they made, it comes pretty close to cause and effect."

To learn more about the study keep reading

It's uncertain how risky bisphenol A (BPA) is to humans, but I figure better safe than sorry. I threw out my potentially risky water bottles and containers but now a new study from Consumer Reports says there's BPA in my canned goods, too. Metal cans are often lined with plastic that contains BPA to protect the food.

The magazine tested 19 canned food products, finding levels of BPA in each product, including cans labeled "BPA free." The biggest culprits were Progresso Vegetable Soup, Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup, and Annie's Home Grown Organic Cheesy Ravioli. Though the FDA has said in the past that BPA is safe in food contact materials, it's now revisiting the issue to see if BPA exposure limits should be revised.

If you are concerned about the effects of BPA, try limiting or cutting out canned goods from your diet. Also, look for foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags.