Studies done at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston show that Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical often found in baby bottles and the lining of aluminum cans, may lead to allergy related asthma. Production of the chemical started about 40 years ago, a timing that scientists note coincides with increasing asthma rates.
Tests on BPA have been done on lab mice. The researchers found the mice born to mothers exposed to 10 micrograms of BPA developed airway problems while mice born to mothers exposed to low or no BPA did not develop the problem. These tests show a significant enough increase in allergy related asthma that some states have begun banning the chemical in containers that could be used by children under the age of four.
Scientist believe that this study is a good example of what could happen to humans, but they admit that mice studies are not always accurate in people.
The next step in this study will be to determine how much BPA and how often it is given before these problems are prevalent. Since there are other contributing factors in what causes asthma, scientist are planning on extracting cord blood in humans for their research. These subjects will be watched for a period of time to see if they develop Asthma. Groups will be based on their level of BPA exposure. This type of study will take years, but will certainly be more conclusive than the mice experiment.
The FDA recently recommended steps to reduce BPA exposure that include discarding worn or damaged baby bottles and feeding cups, heating food and drink in BPA-free containers, and checking labels to ensure containers are dishwasher and microwave-safe.
The Food and Drug Administration is now recommending steps to stop or at least lower BPA exposure that include throwing away old or damaged baby bottles and feeding cups, heating food and drink in BPA-free containers, and checking labels to ensure containers are dishwasher and microwave-safe.
No comments:
Post a Comment