BPA is short for Bisphenol-a, a chemical that is actually an artificial estrogen. It is used to create the plastic called polycarbonate. Most major U.S. baby bottle manufacturers use BPA in their production, as well as many food storage containers and toys.
Researchers have shown that even low levels of estrogen-mimicking BPA are harmful to animals and people, especially babies and young children. Many environmental scientists believe that Bisphenol-a may cause adverse health effects, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and early puberty.
Recent BPA Studies
BPA has been linked to an error in cell division called aneuploidy that causes spontaneous miscarriages and birth defects in people, including Down Syndrome, and is also associated with a series of cancers.
In utero exposure to BPA causes long-term effects on mammary tissue development in rats, increasing risks to cancer, and also increases sensitivity to a chemical known to cause breast cancer.
Perinatal exposure to extremely low levels of bisphenol A causes precancerous prostate lesions in rats.
Experiments with mice reveal that chronic adult exposure to BPA causes insulin resistance.
BPA at extremely low levels causes changes in brain structure and behavior in rats.
