Health: BPA exposure not so easy to avoid

New study shows that even organic diets can contain surprising concentrations of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — Avoiding plastic and personal care products known to include endocrine-disrupting BPAs may not be enough to limit exposure to the toxic chemicals, according to University of Washington researchers who recently published  a  study that illustrates some surprising BPA pathways in the food chain.

Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that people may be exposed to these chemicals in their diets, even if their meals are organic and foods are prepared, cooked and stored in non-plastic containers. And children may be most vulnerable, they said.

Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Previous studies have linked prenatal exposure to phthalates to abnormalities in the male reproductive system. Associations have also been shown between fetal exposure to BPA and hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression in girls.