The Health Effects of BPA Go Back to the Womb
Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make the plastic items people use everyday, has been in the news recently as people express concerns about its health effects. It’s hard to completely avoid BPA since it’s found in plastic bottles and containers used to store food – and even lines the inside of metal cans. Now, a new study shows that the effects of bisphenol A on health could go way back – all the way back to the womb.
The Health Effects of BPA
In a study published in the journal Hormones and Cancer, researchers discovered that mice exposed to BPA while in the womb produced higher levels of a protein called EZH2 – which increases the risk of breast cancer in humans. They also found that DES, another chemical, caused a similar increase in expression of this protein.
Like BPA, DES is an endocrine disrupter; a chemical that alters the reproductive hormones produced naturally by the body and increases the risk of abnormalities of the reproductive tract and cancer. When exposure to endocrine disrupters occurs early in life when the endocrine system is still developing, the damage can be permanent.
In this study, once mice were exposed to the effects of bisphenol A in the womb, their mammary glands continued to produce higher levels of the EZH2 protein that increases the risk of breast cancer – even when they reached adulthood. Researchers believe that exposure to endocrine disrupters such as bisphenol A and DES early in life, even while in the womb, alters breast architecture in such a way so as to predispose an animal, and possibly people, to developing breast cancer later on.
Even though this study was done in mice, the results were compelling enough that experts are suggesting that women who could have been exposed to BPA in the womb be monitored more closely for signs of breast cancer.
Endocrine Disrupters are Everywhere
It’s hard to escape the effects of endocrine disrupters such as BPA. The health effects of BPA have only recently started to be recognized. When you consider the widespread use of plastic bottles, containers, and cans containing bisphenol A are, you can assume that most people have had a significant amount exposure to this chemical. BPA and DES aren’t the only endocrine disrupters. These hormone disrupting chemicals are found in many consumer products including cosmetics, in household products, pesticides, and in the air and water.
The Health Effects of BPA
This study points out that the health effects of bisphenol A are more pronounced the earlier the exposure occurs – and can go all the way back to the womb. Exposure to endocrine disrupters, like BPA, at even low levels early in life alters tissues in a way that makes them more susceptible to diseases such as cancer later in life. Some experts believe that endocrine disrupters can also cause changes in neurological development that leads to learning disabilities and ADHD.
Effects of Bisphenol A: The Bottom Line
You can’t completely eliminate exposure to endocrine disrupters such as BPA, but taking steps to remove most plastics from your home will help – especially items that children drink out of or use. Other ways to reduce exposure to endocrine disrupters is to buy organic food and household products as much as possible and don’t use pesticides or insecticides in your house or on the lawn – especially if you have children or pets that play outside. Lastly, don’t use plastic containers or canned foods if you’re pregnant. Take small steps to reduce the health effects of BPA and other endocrine disrupters. It could prolong your life.
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