KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
The chemical is called bisphenol A or BPA.
Plastics are everywhere in the world, and there is no doubt that plastics have made life very convenient for us. But when you think about water bottles, plastic cups, plastic containers that are put into microwaves, realize that it's very easy for chemicals in plastics to get into our systems.
BPA has been linked to reproductive difficulties and delays in child development and behavior.
We can't control the exposure to plastics, but certain changes can help. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and drinks, and sip from a reusable stainless steel water bottle rather than a plastic one.