Bisphenol A found in 9 out of 10 Europeans: Study
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The hormone-disrupting chemical, Bisphenol A, was detected in the bodies of most European individuals.
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Passengers pass by accumulated garbage during a cleaners strike at Barajas International Airport in Madrid, on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. (AP)
Recent findings detected a chemical often used in plastic packages, which is praised by the food industry. The chemical in question is Bisphenol A (BPA), and it may disrupt human hormones and lead to serious conditions, including breast cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A report by the European Environment Agency found that BPA - a chemical allegedly responsible for hormone disruption - was detected in the bodies of adults in Europe. Scientists proceeded to analyze urine samples of roughly 2800 people from around 12 countries, including Switzerland, France, and Germany.
"A recent Horizon 2020 research initiative, HBM4EU, measured chemicals in people's bodies in Europe and detected BPA in the urine of 92 percent of adult participants from 11 European countries," the watchdog said in an official statement.
How much Bisphenol A was detected?
According to research released by the agency, BPA found in samples exceeded maximum levels from 71 to 100 percent, which meant that "population exposure to BPA in Europe" was too high and it "constitutes a potential health concern." More research revealed that BPA could affect hormones and cause health disorders, including infertility, obesity, and various types of cancer.
Read next: Banned chemicals in EU since Brexit still allowed for use in UK
What is Bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A is extensively employed in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors and can be detected in everyday plastic food containers that millions of individuals utilize regularly.
In the past, it was even incorporated into baby bottles as an ingredient, but this practice was banned in most countries a decade ago.
How accurate are the reports?
While some experts hold reservations about the report, the European Medicines Agency emphasized that a conclusive connection between Bisphenol A and hormone-related disorders has not been firmly established through studies in animals or humans.
However, the agency acknowledges the significance of ongoing constructive discussions and underscores that they employ diverse risk assessment methods, leaving open the possibility that future research may reveal Bisphenol A to be more hazardous.
Despite this, several governments intend to diminish their populations' exposure to Bisphenol A. Paris has taken the step of an outright ban, while other Western nations are contemplating measures to restrict the use of this potentially harmful chemical.
Read next: EU to drop ban of hazardous chemicals after industry pressure
