Study Links Common Plastic Chemical BPA to Female Fertility Risks
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A new study indicates that Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found in many plastics, poses significant risks to human egg health and female fertility, even at levels considered 'safe'.
Researchers found that BPA alternatives like Bisphenol S (search) (BPS (search)) and Bisphenol F (search) (BPF (search)), often used in 'BPA-free' products, also exhibit harmful effects, highlighting a broader concern with plastic production chemicals.
Exposure to BPA primarily occurs through food and drink packaging, with leaching intensified by heating or contact with acidic or fatty contents, leading to potential long-term health risks including reduced fertility.
Newcastle, Australia – A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle and HMRI (search) reveals a concerning link between exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics, and significant risks to female fertility. The study indicates that even at exposure levels deemed 'safe' by current standards, BPA can negatively impact human egg health.
The research, led by Dr. Jessie Sutherland and PhD candidate Alex Peters, focused on the effects of BPA, which is widely used in food and drink packaging to enhance plastic strength and extend shelf life. BPA is found in various products, including the plastic epoxy resin lining of drink cans and food tins, as well as polycarbonate plastic containers and drink bottles.
"Our study shows that exposure to BPA poses significant risks to human egg health and female fertility," Dr. Sutherland stated. The researchers found that BPA leaches from plastic containers into food and drinks, particularly when heated or when the contents have high acidity or fat content. It is estimated that approximately 90% of BPA found in people's blood and urine originates from food and drink consumption. While BPA typically passes through the body within 24 hours, elevated levels have been associated with reduced fertility.
Furthermore, the study highlights concerns regarding BPA alternatives, such as Bisphenol S (search) (BPS (search)) and Bisphenol F (search) (BPF (search)), which are frequently used in products labeled 'BPA-free.' Alex Peters noted, "There's also Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF) which are common alternatives to BPA and often found in products labelled ‘BPA-free’. There are no regulations around these but there’s enough evidence to show that these are bad too."
Recent studies have also linked high levels of BPA in pregnant mothers to adverse outcomes in children, including a higher risk of preterm birth, allergic diseases, and, in male children, autism spectrum disorder (search) diagnosis. Long-term risks in adults include obesity (search), heart disease (search), and kidney disease (search).
Dr. Sutherland emphasized the need for greater consumer awareness and regulatory action. "This research shows a direct link between BPA exposure and lowered fertility. What we would like to see is for there to be better consumer education around the health risks of BPA and BPA alternatives and ultimately for these harmful chemicals to be completely phased out of use in food and drink packaging," she concluded.