BPA Exposure Linked to Asthma Risk: Study

A new study into the side effects of BPA (Bisphenol A) indicate that there may be a link between the ubiquitous plastic bottle chemical and the development of asthma. 

The findings of a study by U.S. researchers from across the country were presented this weekend at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. Researchers found that mouse pups born to mice who had been exposed to at least 10 micrograms of BPA were more susceptible to developing allergic asthma. The study is likely to further increase concerns about the safety of BPA exposure, especially among young children and pregnant women.

BPA is used to make many plastic products hard and shatterproof. Originally developed as a form of synthetic estrogen, it is used in the manufacture of many consumer products, such as bottles, cans, cups, baby bottles and other food containers.

While BPA has been linked to asthma in mice in the past, the latest study is the first that studied specific dosages. The researchers exposed female mice to 0.1, 1, and 10 microgram per milliliter doses of BPA before, during and after pregnancy. Researchers indicated that mice are accepted as good scientific models for asthma and allergy effects on humans, which they say means that the results of the study should be cause for concern.

Exposure to BPA is suspected of causing hormonal changes by impacting the human endocrine system. It has also been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Some research has suggested that BPA can cause developmental abnormalities and other problems over time in infants and young children.

In January, the FDA recommended that parents take “reasonable steps” to reduce infant exposure to BPA. The FDA is conducting a health risk review of BPA, despite having deemed the material safe previously. The BPA re-evaluation was started in June after the agency received substantial criticism from outside groups, politicians and its own scientists.

Many retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us, have already voluntarily decided to stop selling baby bottles that contain the BPA chemical, and many of the largest manufacturers of baby bottles, such as Avent, Evenflo, Disney First Years, Platex, Gerber and Dr. Brown, have voluntarily agreed to stop making baby bottles with BPA as well.

There are also growing calls for a ban on the use of BPA by states, municipalities and by federal lawmakers. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has introduced legislation intended to ban BPA in infant products, and there are bills calling for BPA bans currently under consideration in several states. Last week, the state of Maryland banned BPA in cups and bottles used by children ages 4 and younger. The state of Minnesota and the city of Chicago have already passed BPA bans.