BPA Exposure Is Far More Damaging Than Previously Thought, New Research Finds
The effects of the controversial petroleum by-product, Bisphenol-A (BPA) have been underestimated in previous tests, says a new study conducted by the University of Missouri.
Study researchers compared mice given a steady supplement of BPA with those given only a single exposure. The results revealed an increased absorption accruement of BPA in the group with the steady exposure. While what may affect another species in a research experiment may not have the same effect on humans, it is known that BPA is connected with a number of health risks, especially for pregnant women or women trying to conceive, as BPA can thwart reproductive capabilities. BPA binds to steroid receptors, affecting estrogen, thyroid and testosterone function and possibly causing genetic mutations.
According to the study, more than 8 billion pounds of BPA are produced every year, and more than 90 percent of people living in the U.S. have measurable amounts of BPA in their bodies. Associate professor in biomedical science and the studies lead author, Cheryl Rosenfeld, says that, “When BPA is taken through the food, the active form may remain in the body for a longer period of time than when it is provided through a single treatment, which does not reflect the continuous exposure that occurs in animal and human populations. We need to study this further to determine where the ingested BPA becomes concentrated and subsequently released back into the bloodstream to be distributed throughout the body.”
Primary exposure to BPA comes through our diets—mainly those food and beverages packaged in plastic containers or cans with plastic lining—which can contain the active form of BPA.
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