How much bpa exposure is dangerous

Environmental exposure to BPA has the potential to affect the developing brain during gestation, according to research. The impact includes changes in structural development, interference with estrogen regulation, and DNA modifications. This could have effects on social behavior and anxiety after birth, says one study. Scientists believe BPA, with its estrogen-like behavior, could increase the risk of breast , prostate , and other cancers in people who experienced exposure to the chemical in the womb.

In , a group of researchers concluded that exposure to BPA before birth could have long-term effects on carcinogenesis in certain organs. This in turn could lead to the development of hormone-related cancers. In , scientists reported that BPA could interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment.

Research suggests there may be a link between exposure to BPA before or after birth and a higher risk of wheezing or asthma. The CDC note that people commonly experience exposure to low levels of BPA when they consume food or water stored in containers made with the chemical. Children may also experience exposure by touching items made with BPA and then putting their hands in their mouths or by putting their mouths on the item. Other means of exposure include having dental sealants that contain BPA and working in places that manufacture products with BPA in them.

Thermal paper and carbonless paper may also contain varying levels of BPA, which gets onto the hands and fingers. Thermal paper is commonly used in boarding passes, luggage tags, and receipts. BPA may enter the system through the skin or when a person places their fingers in their mouth. A study of 77 Harvard College students found 1 week of drinking water from polycarbonate bottles increased the levels of BPA by two-thirds. BPA features in some baby feeding bottles, so breastfeeding an infant is likely to reduce levels of BPA exposure.

Photos: Products that contain BPA or phthalates. Bisphenol A, or BPA, and phthalates are often called "everywhere chemicals" because they're found in so many products -- from the water bottle you to take to the gym to the flooring in your kitchen. Scientists have voiced concerns about these chemicals disrupting our bodies' hormones.

Recent studies link them to a variety of fertility problems in men and women. The FDA says it is still investigating the safety of BPA and monitoring our exposure to phthalates to determine whether there is a risk. Hide Caption. Plastic food containers: Most people's exposure to BPA comes from food and water stored in plastic containers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BPA can leach from these containers into our meals, especially when they are heated in the microwave.

Nail polish: Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible, according to the FDA , and are often found in cosmetics. For instance, phthalates help keep your nail polish from cracking.

They're also found in shampoos and lotions. Dental sealants: Here's yet another reason to brush your teeth although, fair warning: toothbrushes can contain phthalates. Kids' toys: Phthalates can be found in kids' toys, rattles and teethers.

The biggest risk comes from items children place in their mouths. Canned food: BPA epoxy resins can leach into your food from the lining of metal food cans. Another study had people eat one serving of either fresh or canned soup daily for five days. Your diet — particularly packaged and canned foods — is by far the biggest source of BPA.

Babies fed formula from BPA-containing bottles also have high levels in their bodies. BPA is said to mimic the structure and function of the hormone estrogen 2. Due to its estrogen-like shape, BPA can bind to estrogen receptors and influence bodily processes, such as growth, cell repair, fetal development, energy levels , and reproduction.

In addition, BPA may also interact with other hormone receptors, such as those for your thyroid, thus altering their function 8. Its use has already been restricted in the EU, Canada, China, and Malaysia — particularly in products for babies and young children. In , the FDA released its latest report, which confirmed the original s daily exposure limit of 23 mcg per pound of body weight 50 mcg per kg and concluded that BPA is probably safe at the levels currently allowed 9.

However, research in rodents shows negative effects of BPA at much lower levels — as little as 4. BPA has a similar structure as the hormone estrogen.

It may bind to estrogen receptors, affecting many bodily functions. One study observed that women with frequent miscarriages had about three times as much BPA in their blood as women with successful pregnancies A separate study found that men with higher BPA levels were 3—4 times more likely to have a low sperm concentration and low sperm count Additionally, men working in BPA manufacturing companies in China reported 4. Although such effects are notable, several recent reviews agree that more studies are needed to strengthen the body of evidence 8 , 19 , 20 , Several studies show that BPA can negatively affect many aspects of both male and female fertility.

Most studies — but not all — have observed that children born to mothers exposed to BPA at work weigh up to 0. Barry Delclos, the FDA presented an analysis of the study decidedly favoring the guideline study approach.

They dismissed the low dose effects because the effects were not seen in high doses. The experts felt that the available data did not reflect any claim for safety of BPA at low doses. Rather, it showed that exposure to BPA at low levels is not safe. The FDA core studies found serious health effects including increases in breast cancer, prostate inflammation and kidney nephropathy at the lowest doses studied.