I-Team Investigation: Hidden toxic ingredients?

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  --  What if there was a way to lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer just by paying close attention to your food packaging? One scientist says there are hidden and dangerous chemicals in many of the things we put our lips or hands on every single day, but you can avoid it, if you know where to look.

Baby aisles, bottles and sippy cups everywhere have the words "BPA free" on them, but what does that really mean? Should you only care if you're a baby or having one? Scientists say no. BPA, or Bisphenol A is a chemical that is used to make hard clear plastic and it's known as an endocrine disruptor.

"I don't understand the term, but I just don't think it's something that I want my child munching on or absorbing," said Cathy Scheid, a pregnant mom from West Palm Beach.

Europe banned it this year, Canada labels it toxic, but why isn't the U.S. doing anything? According to Dr. Frederick vom Saal, the scientist who first discovered its potential harm, it's politics.

Dr. vom Saal says, "It is staggeringly potent in low dose exposure and it's been linked to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular." The I-Team found the list goes on and on. There are hundreds of studies. Some of them showing links to prostate and breast cancer. BPA, Dr. vom Saal says, acts like a sex hormone in your body. It's bad for everyone and even more damaging for babies, kids and pregnant women.

Scheid says, "It's sad to think that kids are getting that and it's not up to them." That's why she is doing everything she can to eliminate it from her house, for her toddler and baby on the way because she's worried about what might happen in the future, "They'll realize way too late that it's affected an entire generation of kids."

Many states have passed laws about BPA, Florida has not. The FDA admits concern and says the public should limit exposure, but why can't it do anything?

Dr. vom Saal says, "Our chemical regulation laws are so weak and so out of date. Congress got close to changing it last year and at the last minute, the chemical corporations stepped in and sabotaged it."

The American Chemistry Council still claims Bisphenol A is 'safe' citing their own studies and a recent study from Germany. But other scientists say remember that the ACC is a trade organization that represents the multibillion dollar chemical and plastics industries.

Dr. vom Saal says, "The chemical industry has done what the tobacco industry did, hired a product protection firm. If the public wants to believe the chemical industry research that says it is safe, I would say go back and look at what the tobacco industry did."

So, if the companies don't have to tell you what has BPA and what doesn't, how can you tell the difference? Here's a clue, look at the recycling triangle on the bottom of your containers.

Dr. vom Saal says if you see the number 2 or 5, you can be pretty sure there's no BPA. If you see the number 3 or 7, there is probably BPA leeching.

BPA is also found sometimes in cans, soda cans, and water bottles. Heat releases even more of the chemical when microwaving plastic. It was routinely used in baby bottles and formula containers until public outcry changed all that.

Entrepreneur Ron Vigdor says his BornFree bottles were the first line of "BPA Free" baby products in North America, saying, "It all started in Boca Raton in my garage. I believe we did the right thing, for one, we know we went for health and safety of baby."

His business blew up and all the big manufacturers caught on. But that BPA free label is still reserved for babies, for the most part, even though Dr. vom Saal says you're at risk too.