Talk about unintended consequences. A compound called BPA is being phased out of plastic packaging due to fears it may disrupt our hormones � but a replacement for it may be just as harmful. BPA, or bisphenol A, is often found in disposable water bottles and babies� milk bottles and cups. Small amounts can dissolve into the food and drink inside these containers. This is a concern because a host of studies have shown that BPA can mimic the actions of oestrogen, binding to the same receptor in the body. Oestrogen is normally involved in breast development, regulating periods and maintaining pregnancies. Animals exposed to BPA develop abnormal reproductive systems, but it is unclear if people are exposed to high enough doses to be affected. Due to public pressure � and bans in a few countries � many manufacturers have started replacing BPA. One substitute, fluorene-9-bisphenol, or BHPF, is already widely used in a variety of materials.....

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