Is BPA-Free Plastic Safe?

“BPA-free” is the buzzword of choice for water bottles and plastic packaging. Bisphenol A (BPA)—the chemical that hardens plastic food containers and is in the lining of metal cans to prevent corrosion—has gotten bad press for having a harmful estrogen-mimicking effect, which may cause early puberty and lower sperm counts, even raise your risk of obesity, diabetes and some cancers (breast, ovarian, testicular, prostate).