BPA May Stay In System Longer Than Thought

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in many food and beverage containers, the coating of food cans and some medical devices. People consume it when it leaches from plastic into baby formula, water or food in a container. It is reported to mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, and may have harmful effects on the development of the prostate and brain, and induce behavioral changes in fetuses, infants and children.

In the past, the belief had been that BPA was quickly and entirely eliminated from the body through urine. However, a University of Rochester studied evaluated levels of the chemical in the urine of 1,469 adults. The findings of the study suggested that BPA may remain in the body longer than previously thought or it may get into the body through sources other than just food.

"If it leaves the body quickly, then it reduces the amount of time when it can cause problems. If it does cause problems, obviously if it stays around much longer, then that changes the game," Dr. Stahlhut of the University of Rochester.

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Source: Reuters