Bisphenol A is found in plastic material found in baby feeding bottles, some food packages, canned food and can have many more unknown sources.
Its association in with immunity problem and diorder in brain development in children has not been conclusively disproved.
Now, a new research in greater Cincinnati, Ohio-area, published in the Journal of Pediatrics links it to development of behavioral problem in kids aged 3 years; and more so in female children. They were found to be more anxious and over-active than those only exposed to small amounts of the chemical.
Image via Wikipedia; Bisphenol A
It may be due to consumption of bisphenol A contaminated food and other beverages during pregnancy by the mothers.
The researchers found that Almost all women had BPA in their urine, at an average concentration of two micrograms per liter. For every 10-fold increase in that concentration during pregnancy, girls -- but not boys -- had significantly higher scores on tests for anxiety and depression; and had worse behavioral and emotional control.
A higher BPA concentration in kids' urine at ages one, two and three wasn't linked to behavioral or emotional problems, the researchers reported in Pediatrics.In the surveys, where a score of 50 represents an average kid and an increase between nine and 12 points, "a fairly sizable effect" that parents would probably be able to notice; and a score of about 65 on the tests "would be in the concerning range."
It has been seen that bisphenol A mimics many hormones and chemical mediators in body; so during brain development might be interfering with function of those in the developmental pathway; later giving rise to behavioral problem.
It’s use has already been banned in many European countries as well as many other countries. Also, it has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market by the manufacturers in some countries.
Though, it has not been conclusively proved and more research is needed; it is better to avoid the chemical than to remain concerned for the future of the child.
