BPA Linked to Health Problems in Adults

October 2008

For the fist time, a major population-based study has linked the plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA) to health conditions like diabetes and heart disease in adults. The research was done by the Peninsula Medical School, the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, and the University of Iowa.

The study found that among 1,455 adults, the 25 percent who had the highest BPA levels were more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities than those with the lowest levels. Until now, researchers examining the safety of BPA have relied on results from animal studies and have focused on the effects of the chemical on babies.

The researchers warned that their findings do not prove that the chemical is causing the harm and said that additional testing has to be done. Some scientists and environmentalists said that the findings should encourage regulatory agencies to place limits on BPA exposure. The Food and Drug Administration continues to support the substance, saying that it is safe. BPA is commonly used in hard plastic products such as water and baby bottles.