Research: BPA common in fetal liver tissue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Even though many baby care products are manufactured "BPA-free," researchers from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that bisphenol A, a chemical used in many consumer products, including plastic bottles and metal food and beverage cans, is common in fetal liver tissue, demonstrating that there is considerable exposure to the chemical during pregnancy. About 95% of those who have been tested in a nationally representative health survey study show some level of BPA, but the research to date had yet to firmly establish the presence of the chemical in tissues.

Researchers also found a proportionately higher concentration of free BPA — as opposed to the conjugated forms modified by the body for elimination — further showing that in fetuses the ability to eliminate the chemical from the body is not the same as in adults.

"The general message from our research is that people have to be cognizant of the fact that the adult body may be able to deal with a particular exposure but a developing fetus may not," stated Muna Nahar, doctoral student in the School of Public Health's Department of Environmental Health Sciences and first author on the paper.

Previous animal studies have associated BPA with breast and prostate cancer, and reproductive and behavioral abnormalities. Some research on effects to human health has tied BPA to cardiovascular disease, miscarriage, decreased semen quality and childhood behavioral issues. The chemical also may impact metabolism, diabetes and obesity, although more studies are required to determine its effects.

The study appears online in the Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology.