Bisphenol-A (BPA) acts like estrogen in the body. Scientific studies link BPA to cancer, infertility, diabetes, and obesity, as well as brain, nerve and heart disorders.

It's just been listed by California as a chemical known to cause reproductive problems. BPA is especially dangerous for pregnant women and children in critical stages of development.

For consumers who want to avoid BPA, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has unveiled an easily searchable database of more than 16,000 food and beverage items that may come in cans, bottles or jars containing the hormone-disrupting chemical.

Food packaging is the largest source of exposure to BPA. Most concern about BPA has focused on its use in poly-carbonate plastic bottles and canned food linings.

But, Americans are exposed to BPA in food packaging far more widely than previously known. The array of products from 926 brands includes: 

Samara Geller, EWG Database and Research Analyst on BPA, joins Dr. Friedman to share the dangers of BPA and how you can take measures to avoid the chemical.