BPA Exposure in the Womb Linked to Emotional Difficulties with Girls

lisaliving staff

The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in plastic containers has been linked to behavioural problems with children. However a recent study published in Pediatrics shows that the greatest effects may take place in the womb before birth and a greater degree to girls.

BPA is found in various products from canned food linings, polycarbonate plastics, dental sealants and some receipts made from thermal paper.

In the study Health Outcomes and Measures of Environment, 244 mothers were tested for the chemical while pregnant and at the time of birth. The children were tested from ages one to three years old. Although the levels decreased in the kids as they became older, they were higher than their mothers.

Mothers were required to fill out surveys related to their children’s behaviours, none of the children had clinically abnormal behaviour, however, some had more behaviour problems than others.

The behaviours that are being contributed to the gestational BPA levels are hyperactivity; aggressive, anxious, depressed behaviour; and poorer emotional control and inhibition in girls. The relationship does not seem to exist for boys.

The researchers admit more work needs to be done to understand the health effects of exposure, but advise concerned mothers to avoid exposure to canned and packaged food, thermal paper sales receipts, polycarbonate bottles with number 7 recycling symbol.