New study suggests fetuses are now universally exposed to BPA

(http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org) A new study performed by researchers in California and published in Environmental Science and Technology shows that fetuses are now universally exposed to bisphenol A.

Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is an estrogen-like substance found in polycarbonate plastic, food can liners and other commonplace consumer products.

To conduct this study, the scientists obtained samples of umbilical cord blood from 85 women who had undergone abortions at a San Francisco clinic that serves North and Central California. The scientists tested the samples and found that every single one of them had detectable levels of BPA. Three of the samples had BPA levels higher than ever reported in umbilical cord blood, and 36% had levels comparable to or higher than those associated with developmental effects.

This is disturbing news, as fetal exposure to BPA was previously thought to be much lower, and the harmful effects could be devastating for many. This study calls the safety of BPA into question and highlights the fact that regulations need serious improvement.

"Overall our findings point to the importance of fetal exposure to BPA during development and the need to accurately assess the full range of human exposure during pregnancy," the authors of the study wrote.