BPA exposure during pregnancy ups asthma risk in children

BPA exposure during pregnancy ups asthma risk in children

Early childhood exposure to the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), found in some plastics and food cans, can elevate the risk of asthma in young kids

    Expecting mothers, bear caution when it comes to plastic food containers and food cans. That’s because Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical, is a component of some plastics and is found in food can liners and store receipts, says a recent study.
ASTHMA HAS INCREASED IN THE LAST 30 YEARS In the past 30 years, the prevalence of Asthma has increased dramatically, which suggests that some as-yetundiscovered
environmental exposures may be implicated. The study indicates that one such exposure may be BPA, opines lead author Kathleen Donohue.
THE STUDY
    The investigators followed 568 women. BPA exposure was determined by measuring the levels of a BPA metabolite in urine samples taken during the third trimester of pregnancy and in children at ages three, five and seven, respectively.
    The physicians then diagnosed asthma at ages 5 to 12 based on asthma symptoms, a pulmonary function test and medical history.
SURPRISING RESULTS
    The researchers found that post-natal exposure to BPA was associated with an increased risk of wheeze and asthma. BPA exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy was inversely associated with the risk of wheeze at age five.
    This unexpected finding is in contrast to the results of a previous study, which found that BPA exposure during the second trimester, a critical period for the development of airways and the immune system of the fetus, was positively linked with the risk of asthma.
WHAT IS BISPHENOL A?
Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is a chemical which is used in combination with other chemicals for manufacturing plastic and resins. For example, BPA is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate, which is used to make shampoo bottles, feeder bottles for infants, water bottles, plates, food cans, etc. BPA can get transferred in minute amounts into the food and beverages from the plastic articles in which they are stored.