Study finds a link between plastics chemical BPA and childhood asthma

Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, are reporting the findings of experiments with mice that indicate exposure to bisphenol-A, or BPA, during pregnancy may increase the chances of asthma in the child.

The chemical, used in plastic bottles, linings of cans and other products, has been linked to reproductive problems and increased risk of cancer, among other maladies.

Researchers fed BPA to pregnant mice a week before they gave birth, in quantities that would produce a proportion equivalent to that which has been found in women. They then introduced a common allergy-provoking substance and measured the response in pup mice.

"All four of our indicators of asthma response showed up in the BPA group, much more so than in the pups of the non-exposed mice," said co-author Randall Goldblum.

Findings of the study will be published in the February edition of Environmental Health Perspectives.

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration changed its position on the chemical, saying it deserves wider study.

Following an increasing number of governmental bans on the chemical, the six top makers of baby bottles have moved to BPA-free containers.

-- Geoff Mohan

Photo: Bisphenol-A, or BPA, has been used in baby bottles for years, raising concerns after the chemical was linked to reproductive issues and increased chances of cancer and diabetes. Credit: Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Roger Langford]

I am rather puzzled by all the fuss about plastic baby bottles containing bisphenol-A. We used glass baby bottles for all of our three children.

[Alexandra Scranton]

As a pregnant woman, mother of a one-year old, and an environmental advocate I find this research both unsurprising for its findings but also appalling for its implications. BPA has been on the radar of my organization, Women's Voices for the Earth for a number of years. The efforts recently taken by companies to remove BPA from baby bottles is welcomed. I've had a much easier time finding BPA-free bottles than my colleagues just a few years ago. Soon a BPA bottle will be more the exception than the rule. But this is clearly just a piece of the problem, as damaging exposure can occur well before the child gets to the bottle. The remarkably slow pace at which other manufacturers and government agencies are reacting to this research is concerning. Why aren't we hearing that all canned food manufacturers are going BPA-free? How about the coating on paper receipts? When will the subtle new warning from the FDA turn into concrete regulations that can protect the public? The public deserves better and more timely change. I hope this issue continues to get the public attention it deserves.
Alexandra Scranton
Director of Science and Research
Women's Voices for the Earth