Having an e-mail account can cause a bombardment of messages from friends, co-workers and family members warning you of health risks. ‘Don’t do this! Don’t do this!’

Well, prepare for another round of health-related forwards.

A newly released study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals the consumption of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), found in products such as plastic water bottles and food containers, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

JAMA surveyed 1,455 adults aged 18 through 74 years and measured urinary BPA … concentrations, according to the study. The study found “BPA concentrations appeared higher in those who reported diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases (including coronary heart disease, heart attack and angina) and diabetes.”

Professionals in the field are currently debating whether the FDA-approved chemical should continue to be used in plastics or be banned from manufacturing.

“Based on our ongoing review, we believe there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials … are below those that may cause health effects,” the FDA said in a statement released on their Web site.

The statement also said “At this time, FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process.”

So, how serious is the risk of consuming BPA through plastic products?

“I think BPA is a valid thing that we should worry about … because a lot of the products we use that contains plastic leach BPA into your food or beverages,” said Dr. Judith Lukaszuk, NIU associate professor in nutrition and didactic program director. “Options are to check the number on the bottom of your water bottle. The number in the triangle is what you are looking for. Avoid No. 3, No. 6 and No. 7. No. 1 and No. 2 are OK, as they won’t leach BPA into your water.”

With the ability to self-check plastic bottles before purchasing them, buyers may have control over the BPA they consume. Right now the best advice is to be aware.

“I am aware and watching, not concerned per say. [You] can limit use of epoxy-lined containers and plastic bottles if you are concerned. [I] would not regulate or ban products at this point,” said NIU assistant professor of nutrition, dietetics and hospitality administration Dr. Beverly Henry.

So, don’t throw all your water bottles out just yet, but remain educated about the BPA content in containers you use.

“It is something that should be watched in the future,” said NIU assistant professor in public health and health education, Dr. Arlene Keddie. “Right now, I think it may be too early to tell if BPA is the dangerous chemical it seems to be from that one study.”

Since currently there is no agreement among professionals about BPA, and the FDA continues to defend the safety of BPA in plastics, there’s no right or wrong answer in this case. However, if you are concerned about BPA, try to avoid using some plastic containers and don’t forget to forward that e-mail to dear Aunt Emma.