The Effects of BPA Exposure
Researchers tracked the children of mothers exposed to BPA during pregnancy for the first five years of their lives. They measured the children’s lung function by assessing the amount of air they could exhale. The findings revealed that for every tenfold increase in BPA concentration in the mother’s urine, there was a 14.2% decrease in the child’s lung function during their first four years. This suggests that BPA exposure may harm lung health in early childhood. Interestingly, the data showed that by age five, these children did not exhibit decreased lung function, indicating that the negative effects of BPA on lung health might diminish over time. However, the study also found that children whose mothers had higher BPA exposure during pregnancy were more likely to experience persistent wheezing in their first five years. The researchers are still unsure about the exact mechanism through which prenatal BPA exposure affects lung function, although some animal studies suggest that BPA might impact developing lung cells that support airway secretions.
Other BPA Health Issues
BPA is known to mimic estrogen, potentially causing hormonal imbalances in both women and men. Research has linked BPA exposure to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, there is consistent evidence connecting BPA to cancer. Given the rising prevalence of these health issues, it is reasonable to consider BPA as a contributing factor to the high rates of preventable diseases.
What Expecting Mothers Can Do
Although the precise mechanism of BPA’s effects is not fully understood, researchers advise pregnant women to minimize their exposure to BPA-containing products. BPA is commonly found in polycarbonate plastics, such as microwave-safe food containers and the linings of tin cans. To reduce exposure, it is recommended to purchase food in its whole form whenever possible and avoid consuming canned foods that are not labeled as BPA-free.
Do you avoid BPA? What steps do you take to reduce your exposure?
