The problem with BPA, wrote Lee, is that it is an unstable polymer. This means that molecules can easily fall apart, responding to conditions such as heat, acid, or base. Once the bonds break, the BPA is free to leach out of the plastic and be absorbed into the food or beverage, and into the person consuming the food or beverage.

For the first time in its 93-year-history, the organization issued a scientific statement a few days ago and declared its itention to engage in lobbying. The subject of both the statement and the lobbying is their hope to “decrease human exposure” to BPA and other endocrine-disrupting agents.

The Washington Post published an article May 31 describing a strategy session involving bisphenol A (BPA) packaging manufacturers and large users, such as Coca Cola. The Post obtained notes from the meeting and corroborated them with a second attendee.

Strategizers suggested a $500,000 public relations campaign, ideally captained by a pregnant young woman willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA.