Bisphenol A, a chemical found in some plastic beverage containers, is again a source of concern for its adverse effect in the health of babies and small children at current human exposure levels. A new study, by an expert panel from the National Toxicology Program, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contradicts the findings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which earlier this year concluded that the current human exposure levels to the chemical didn’t pose a health risk.

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is found in baby bottles and other durable beverage containers (often marked with recycling number 7), and has been scrutinized for months for its possible effects on the brains and reproductive systems of children. The Canadian government banned the chemical for use in the manufacturing of baby bottles, and private companies, including Nalgene, are phasing out production of their BPA-laced products because of consumer demand.

Although the expert panel concluded that its highest concern is for the chemical effect on the brain, behavior and prostate glands of fetuses and small children alone, the panel is urging, as the FDA did, more research to learn more about its health effects.

Currently, baby and adult water bottles without the chemical are available in the market, such as, Born Free, Evenflo, Sigg and Klean Kanteen.