For some time we have known that BPA, a chemical widely used in plastic and other household products, can be detected in the urine of most expectant mothers. New research found that the higher the moms' BPA concentration levels during pregnancy, the more likely their daughters were to have higher scores on measures of anxiety, depression and hyperactivity, and poorer emotional control and inhibition at age 3.
In the study, 244 mothers gave urine samples that were tested for BPA while they were pregnant and shortly after giving birth. Their children's urine was tested for BPA at ages 1, 2 and 3. Almost all study participants had some level of BPA in their urine, including 85 percent of moms and more than 96 percent of the children.
They found no connection between girls' or boys' levels of BPA in early childhood and their behavior. Nor did they find a link between the mothers' BPA levels during pregnancy and boys' behavior. This suggests that the girls may be more vulnerable to the effects of gestational BPA exposures and there is a window of brain development that is susceptible to BPA exposures.
Study authors believe the effects were more pronounced in girls because BPA is a hormone-like chemical that interferes with estrogen action. Estrogens play an important role in brain development in both boys and girls, however, testosterone is converted to estrogen in the brain, so the boys likely had enough to protect against the BPA.
The researchers plan to continue following the children in the study to see if the symptoms of depression and anxiety seen in some girls develop into full-blown depressive or anxiety disorders as they get older.
In recent years, concern about the effects of BPA, particularly on fetuses and young children, have been growing. Animal studies have shown BPA can cause reproductive abnormalities to both males and females by disrupting the endocrine system. Other research has linked BPA to an increased risk of diabetes, cancer and heart arrhythmias.
Most human exposure to BPA is believed to occur when the chemical leaches into food and drink from packaging. For pregnant women worried about reducing exposure to BPA, experts advise avoiding canned foods, plastics that contain BPA, and cash register receipts.
Sources:
Health Finder
Environmental Protection Agency