[Dan.Linehan]

On the front of digg today: article about this.

Practical Values: Hard to Break

Renowned scientists described new, peer-reviewed findings on how plastic's ingredients may cause reproductive abnormalities and obesity.

"Today there are no babies born without measurable levels of phthalates," says Dr. Shanna Swan, director of the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Animal studies have linked phthalates to the same genital abnormalities that are now among the most common birth defects in American baby boys. "We're not yet sure what level of exposure produces these adverse effects, but they are a real concern," explains Dr. Paul Foster, a senior researcher at the National Toxicology Program.

Other researchers are also cautious. "I don't want to induce panic, but I think we should be addressing women of childbearing age," says Foster. Because phthalates and bisphenol A seem to have the greatest impact in the womb, he and Swan suggest that women who are pregnant or are planning to conceive take the most precautions. "These fetal effects are permanent and irreversible, while impacts of adult exposure appear to be reversible," explains Swan.