Based on reading trend articles and the little stickers affixed to Nalgene water bottles, one might readily conclude that BPA, the common acronym for bisphenol A, is the contemporary danger to public health that lead was half a century ago. BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of many hard plastics and epoxy resins. When used in food packaging and containers, it helps to prevent spoilage, increases shelf life, and makes containers reusable. The popular but unfounded concern that we’ve started hearing in recent years is that it can somehow seep into our food and beverages and cause birth defects and other negative health consequences. Based on the latest research — from the U.S. government, no less — these concerns are entirely baseless. Read more.