What is the bottom line? According to the NTP Draft Brief published in 2007, the section entitled "Can Bisphenol A affect human development or reproduction?" says the following: Possibly. There is no direct evidence that BPA affects reproduction or development, but animal studies suggest that high dose BPA during pregnancy and/or lactation can reduce survival, birth weight, and growth of offspring early in life, and delay the onset of puberty in males and females. The possibility that bisphenol A may impact human development cannot be dismissed and more research is needed.

My own bottom line is a little more black and white. When you have the option, opt for an alternative to plastic. If you are at home, fill a cup with tap water rather than grabbing a plastic bottle of water. It is better for the environment and likely better for you. But all things in moderation. I have not thrown out every single plastic storage container in my home. Instead, I simply keep hot food and drinks away from plastic. I also hand wash and rack-dry plastic cups and containers rather than dishwashing them. I have begun to take the lids off of to-go coffee cups (why sip through a plastic lid unnecessarily?) and I never cover microwave food with plastic wrap. But when I am on the go, I use a plastic water bottle, as do my kids.

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