Plastics Containing BPA May Pose Health Threat

An accident in an animal laboratory has led to a study revealing the potential harm to humans of bisphenol A (BPA), used to make common plastics and resins. The study appeared in the April 1, 2002, issue of Current Biology.

The laboratory accident showed a sudden increase in chromosome abnormalities in a mouse colony following exposure to BPA in a plastic cage cleaned with a harsh alkaline detergent that broke down the plastic caging material. Researchers then deliberately exposed mice to small amounts of BPA. The oocytes of the mice showed greatly increased rates of two chromosome abnormalities, un-alignment and aneuploidy, which are the cause of miscarriage, congenital defects, and mental retardation in humans.

"We don't know what the effects, if any, may be on humans at these low levels, but a study in Germany indicates pregnant women are exposed to similar levels of BPA, which is used in food and beverage containers,” said first author Patricia A. Hunt, Ph.D., of the department of genetics at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH, USA), where the study was conducted.

Research on bisphenol A has stirred controversy for years. Several other studies have also raised concerns. "Certainly we should be concerned enough to carry out extensive further study,” added Dr. Hunt.




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