Bisphenol-A present in containers could impair brain function

Research suggests that the contaminant could lead to learning disabilities and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

14/04/05 Low doses of the environmental contaminant bisphenol-A (BPA), widely used to make many plastics found in food storage containers, including feeding bottles for infants, can impair brain function, leading to learning disabilities and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, according to Yale researchers and colleagues.

The research group found that low doses of BPA in female rats inhibit estrogen-induction of synaptic connections in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with expression of sexually differentiated behaviors, as well as with formation and retention of memory. Although estrogen is best known as one of the principal hormone products of the ovary, a number of studies over the last twenty years have shown that estrogen is also synthesized in the brain, where it contributes to the development and function of the hippocampus.

About two billion pounds of BPA are produced annually in the United States. In addition to its use in plastics, BPA is found in dental sealants and prostheses. BPA derivatives are used as flame-retardants in adhesives, paper and textiles.