Originally developed as a form of synthetic estrogen, bisphenol (BPA) is used in the manufacturing process of many consumer products including bottles, cups, can liners, baby products and other food containers. BPA was chemically engineered to enable plastics to retain rigidity and prevent them from shattering. Unfortunately, pregnant women exposed to concentrated levels of BPA may increase the risk of their child developing respiratory complications.
Research conducted at the Penn State College of Medicine unveiled the results of a BPA asthma study at an annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) in Denver, Colorado. The study indicated that mothers who had been introduced to highly concentrated levels of BPA via the bloodstream during pregnancy, were more likely to give birth to infants who suffered from breathing complications.
In the study, researchers examined 367 mothers along with their children. Their research divulged that 99 percent of the women had trace amounts of BPA in their urine while they were pregnant. However, those with higher concentrations of BPA, particularly in the first trimester, were twice as likely to have a six-month-old baby with respiratory complications.
These findings lend increased weight to the long-suspected link between BPA and its affect on the human endocrine system. Exposure to BPA has long been suspected of causing hormonal changes by impacting the human endocrine system. It has also been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Prior research has also suggested that BPA side effects can cause developmental abnormalities and other problems over time in infants and young children. As an endocrine disrupter, BPA may affect the development and release of hormones in an unborn child. As a result of these findings, researchers concluded that pregnant women should avoid BPA exposure while pregnant.
Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that infants are a potentially sensitive population for BPA exposure because their neurological and endocrine systems are developing; and their hepatic system for detoxification and elimination of such substances as BPA is underdeveloped.
At this interim stage, the FDA supports reasonable steps to reduce the exposure of infants to BPA. In addition, the FDA will work with industry to support and evaluate manufacturing practices and alternative substances that could reduce exposure to other populations.
Do I Have a BPA Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in BPA lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has been injured by BPA, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and / or refund by participating in a class action lawsuit and we can help.