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Heart fears over common chemical
plastic packaging
Bisphenol A is commonly used in food packaging
Higher levels of a chemical often found in plastic food and drink packaging are associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a study has suggested.
The group with the highest levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine were found to be more than twice as likely to have diabetes or heart disease.
But the Journal of the American Medical Association research did not show that Bisphenol A caused the conditions.
And a UK toxicology expert stressed the study's findings were "preliminary".
Over two million tonnes of BPA were produced in 2003, although usage of the chemical is starting to decline.
BISPHENOL A
Used in the industrial production of plastics, two types in particular:
Polycarbonate plastic: A lightweight, rigid and reusable plastic used in products including CDs and DVDs, electronics equipment, sports equipment and reusable food and drink containers
Epoxy resins: Used in protective coatings, paints and adhesives, and protective liners for metal food and drink cans
As well as being present in packaging, people are exposed to BPA through drinking water, on their skin and in household dust.
Previous research in the US found detectable levels of BPA in more than 90% of the population.
Animal tests had raised concerns about the possible effects in humans - such as disruption to hormone production - but were inconclusive because people process the chemical differently.
The study by researchers from the UK's Peninsula Medical School in Exeter looked at BPA levels in the urine of 1,400 US adults, and whether they had ever been diagnosed with one of eight major diseases, including arthritis, stroke and thyroid disease.
No strong link was found aside from that with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, although higher BPA concentrations were associated with clinically abnormal concentrations of three liver enzymes.
Obesity link
People who thought more and were obese, and therefore already at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, had higher BPA levels - and the researchers said it was possible that eating more was simply linked to a higher intake of the chemical.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7612839.stm
plastic packaging
Bisphenol A is commonly used in food packaging
Higher levels of a chemical often found in plastic food and drink packaging are associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, a study has suggested.
The group with the highest levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine were found to be more than twice as likely to have diabetes or heart disease.
But the Journal of the American Medical Association research did not show that Bisphenol A caused the conditions.
And a UK toxicology expert stressed the study's findings were "preliminary".
Over two million tonnes of BPA were produced in 2003, although usage of the chemical is starting to decline.
BISPHENOL A
Used in the industrial production of plastics, two types in particular:
Polycarbonate plastic: A lightweight, rigid and reusable plastic used in products including CDs and DVDs, electronics equipment, sports equipment and reusable food and drink containers
Epoxy resins: Used in protective coatings, paints and adhesives, and protective liners for metal food and drink cans
As well as being present in packaging, people are exposed to BPA through drinking water, on their skin and in household dust.
Previous research in the US found detectable levels of BPA in more than 90% of the population.
Animal tests had raised concerns about the possible effects in humans - such as disruption to hormone production - but were inconclusive because people process the chemical differently.
The study by researchers from the UK's Peninsula Medical School in Exeter looked at BPA levels in the urine of 1,400 US adults, and whether they had ever been diagnosed with one of eight major diseases, including arthritis, stroke and thyroid disease.
No strong link was found aside from that with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, although higher BPA concentrations were associated with clinically abnormal concentrations of three liver enzymes.
Obesity link
People who thought more and were obese, and therefore already at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, had higher BPA levels - and the researchers said it was possible that eating more was simply linked to a higher intake of the chemical.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7612839.stm