photo: France 24
New research points to a disturbing new finding on Bisphenol A, a chemical that is persistent and nearly ubiquitous, which has also seen environmentalists and corporations at considerable odds as to its teratogenicity.
The new research points to a considerable risk of breast cancer in the child/adult if the foetus has been exposed to bisphenol A. The risk was equal in both female and male children. The risk manifested itself with mammary gland anomalies and even breast tumors in both early and later years.
BPA as it is commonly known is in a majority of food products as a result of its use for lining containers and cans. It also is found in store receipts and other items. And some studies have already linked it to brain and nervous system disorders, reproductive and hormone unbalances and obesity.
The new warning, issued by ANSES urges pregnant women to avoid food preserved in cans, or drinking water from polycarbonate containers. Also store receipts made with thermal paper were included.
Although many countries have banned bisphenol A from baby bottles and other food containers, there is still considerable exposure to the foetus due to the chemical presence in the environment which is pervasive and persistent.
Some corporations are gearing up to substitute bisphenol A with another similar chemical to avoid the scrutiny and banning of the substance, but researchers caution that these substitute chemicals are often in the same family and can pose equal, if not unknown risks.
Source: AFP 4.09.13
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