BPA Exposure Linked to Intestine Damage, Study Finds
A new study finds exposure to the toxic plastic chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) can cause damage to the intestines.
BPA exposure has long been linked to reproductive damage, developmental delays, and other harmful effects in humans. The new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy Sciences Journal found BPA damages the intestines. Rats exposed to higher doses of BPA developed damage to the lining of the intestines called poor intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome, the French study found.
The damage to the intestines makes it harder for water and other nutrients to be absorbed by the body, the study found. Also, younger rats exposed to BPA while in the uterus or through feeding after birth were at greater risks of suffering intestinal inflammation later in life. Inflammation of the intestines can increase the chances of bacteria and other harmful materials entering the intestines.
Widely Used Chemical Linked to Injuries
BPA is used to make hard plastics like infant bottles and sippy cups as well as the linings of food containers and soda cans. While low levels of the chemical are found in nearly everyone and believed to be safe, people – especially young developing children — who are exposed to higher amounts of BPA may be at risk of developing serious health complications.
Researchers suspect BPA acts like the hormone estrogen inside the body, causing complications with reproductive and neural development, among other problems.
BPA Bans Go Into Effect
Concerns about the health effects of exposure to BPA have led to repeated efforts to reduce its use in hard plastics. In 2008, Canada outlawed the use of BPA in creating plastic baby bottles and major manufacturers of plastic baby bottles said they would stop using the controversial chemical in their products.
Just this month, a Minnesota law went into effect outlawing the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups for babies and young children.
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