In Utero BPA Exposure Linked to Worse Behavior in Girls at Age 3

The more a child is exposure to BPA in utero, the more likely they are to present with behavior problems at age 3, especially for girls. These are the findings of a new study funded by the NIH. Appearing in this months journal Pediatrics, the study looks at both in utero and childhood exposure. And while the in utero findings were significant (especially so for girls), researchers found no measurable impact of childhood BPA exposure on boys or girls.

What is considered "worse behavior" in girls at age 3? The girls with the most exposure to BPA in utero were most likely to show anxious and depressed behavior, as well as poorer emotional control and inhibition.

WHAT’S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Virtually all persons in industrialized countries are exposed to bisphenol A (BPA), and early-life BPA exposure might be associated with behavior problems. Few human studies have been conducted, and the impact of gestational versus childhood BPA exposures is unclear.*

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound used to make many plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is found in products such as water bottles, CDs and DVDs, medical devices, in the lining of food containers, consumer thermal receipt paper and in hundreds of other places (many related to food prep and storage) since the 1960s. The presence of BPA in consumer products gained media awareness in 2008 when its safety came into question. In March 2010, IVFConnections reviewed an FDA report which expressed concern about BPA exposure and fertility.

How widespread is the use of BPA in consumer products? Currently, about 93% of Americans have detectible levels of BPA in their urine. That means that most of us come in contact with at least a few BPA-containing products daily. Many of the liquids we drink (Diet Coke, anyone?) and the food we eat (that can of soup may not be the best thing for your child's flu after all) sit in BPA before we consume them.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: BPA exposure during pregnancy, but not childhood, was associated with worse behavior at 3 years of age, especially among girls. Domains related to behavioral and emotional regulation were most affected by gestational BPA exposure.*

When the 2010 FDA report was released, it was reviewed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). One of the statements made by the NTP regarding BPA, about which the NIH publicly agreed, was: Now NIH has another data source to back up their concerns about BPA exposure. There are dozens of studies about BPA currently in the field; hopefully NIH will be quick to pull the data together, find gaps in the knowledge about BPA and fund more research to drive to a conclusion about this compound.


Related Articles and Links:
Sobering News About BPA Exposure and Fertility
FDA's Information on Bisphenol A
NIEHS Awards Recovery Act Funds to Address Bisphenol A Research Gaps


Notes:
Braun J, et al "Impact of early-life bisphenol A exposure on behavior and executive function in children" Pediatrics 2011;128:873-882.

The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located at: http://pediatrics.aappublications.or...peds.2011-1335

*: inset graphic, p. 873 of Pediatrics, v.128