Environmental Toxins

Chemicals in plastics and other products seem harmless, but mounting evidence links them to health problems — and Washington lacks the power to protect us

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Bisphenol A (BPA)

plastic hazards home danger toxic plastics

Illustration by Jason Lee for TIME

What It Is: A chemical used in plastic production

Found In: Water bottles, baby bottles, plastic wraps, food packaging

Health Hazards: The government's National Toxicology Program has concluded that there is some concern about brain and behavioral effects on fetuses and young children at current exposure levels

What You Should Know: Switch to glass products when possible

See the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2009.

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