ParfumGigi@aol.com

A recent EWG investigation found the toxic plastics compound Bisphenol A in more than half of our samples of canned fruit, vegetables, soda, and--with the highest levels of all--in canned baby formula. BPA is used in the resin lining of the cans and is linked to birth defects of the male and female reproductive systems. Our advice? Avoid canned foods when possible and use powdered baby formula rather than canned.

If that's not disconcerting enough, the plot thickens. An EWG investigation exposed an unseemly conflict of interest at the federal agency that evaluates whether or not chemicals like BPA cause birth defects and other reproductive problems in people. The Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) outsources this important job to Sciences International, a consulting group that works for clients such as the Dow Chemical Co. (which coincidentally manufactures BPA) and practically the entire chemical industry.

Thanks to our allies Reps. Waxman and Boxer and all the great press we generated, Sciences International got thrown off the BPA review. With your support, we continue to fight for a more effective conflict of interest policy at NIH to eliminate these outrageous conflicts of interest.

Question: There's an internet rumor that says you can check for lead in lipstick by rubbing a gold ring on the lipstick. If the lipstick turns black, it contains lead. Is there any truth to this?

Read our researchers' answer at Enviroblog.