Please keep in mind that in a perfect world science would be devoid of politics. However, in the real world science and politics are intimately related. Studies supported by industry are often touted as being tainted due to the self-interest of the industry. Public perception is that studies performed by government, academic or institute scientists are devoid of politics and can be trusted more than those sponsored by industry. Nothing can be further from the truth; government, academic and institute scientists must compete for funding and/or grants. The lifeblood of science is funding and “creating” controversy is a guaranteed way to ensue your funding will continue.

Partisan politics also plays a significant role in influencing scientific inquiry. A scientist, whose scientific interests or views are consistent with the particular partisan entity in power, will receive greater funding than one who does not. A scientist who does not publish is doomed, if the study does not reveal some “potential” for public health concern, they have little to publish and funding will dry up quickly.

While, at this point in time, one can not totally dismiss the potential for BPA to have some negative (might also have some positive) effects on the body, the quantities that an individual is exposed to, through the use of polycarbonate bottles is so minuscule when compared to other naturally occurring BPA-like chemicals, that the “risk” from water bottles is totally overblown.

Pete