Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors and behavioral problems in children

INSERM: An epidemiological study carried out by Inserm on families from the EDEN cohort (500 boys born between 2003 and 2006 and their mothers) shows that exposure during pregnancy to certain phenols and phthalates is associated with behavioral problems in boys between 3 and 5 years of age. The most worrying compounds in this respect are bisphenol A, triclosan and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The results of this study have recently been published in Environmental Health Perspectives.

Bisphenol-A Can Adversely Affect Parenting Behaviors in Mice

Missouri: Biparental care of offspring, or care that is administered by both parents, occurs in only a minority of species, including humans. Past studies have shown that maternal care can be negatively affected when females are exposed to widely prevalent endocrine-disrupting chemicals including Bisphenol-A (BPA); however, no studies have shown how this chemical can affect maternal and paternal care when both parents are exposed. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have used the monogamous, biparental California mouse species to prove that offspring born to parents who are exposed to BPA receive decreased parental care by both the mother and father.

Atmospheric Release of Bisphenol-A May Reach Nearby Waterways

Missouri: Water contamination by hormone-disrupting pollutants is threatening water quality around the world. Existing research has determined that harmful concentrations of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in consumer products such as plastic food storage and beverage containers, have been deposited directly into rivers and streams by municipal or industrial wastewater. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have assessed Missouri water quality near industrial sites permitted to release BPA into the air. As a result, scientists now believe that atmospheric releases may create a concern for contamination of local surface water leading to human and wildlife exposure.

Bisphenol A: EFSA recommends lowering the Total Daily Intake (TDI) while considering that current exposure levels are without risk for human health

ANSES. France: In 2014, following its large-scale study, EFSA submitted for consultation an interim report on the health risks of bisphenol A (BPA). ANSES contributed to the consultation by emphasising the extensive work conducted by the European authority while pointing out certain divergences in the evaluation of how uncertainties were accounted for, as well as differences of interpretation in the analysis of available studies. Today, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the results of its work, recommending a significant reduction in the Total Daily Intake (TDI) of bisphenol A, while indicating that the current exposure levels to bisphenol A are too low to pose any risk to human health. In addition, while evaluation differences still exist in this report, EFSA and ANSES continue to pursue their collaboration on this topic, and new studies will soon be issued on the effects of low doses of BPA on health.

Bisphenol A: Alternative products that may also be harmful

INSERM France: Bisphenol F and bisphenol S, which are used as substitutes for bisphenol A in certain applications, have the same negative effect on human foetal testes as bisphenol A.

Bisphenol A

INSERM. France: Bisphenol A is a chemical compound that is included in the composition of plastics and resins. It is notably used in the manufacture of food containers and is also found in the protective films used inside food and beverage cans. Several studies have shown that this component has harmful effects on reproduction, metabolism and the brain. The full impact of bisphenol A occurs during foetal life.
Testosterone produced by the testes in humans and mammals during foetal life is necessary for the masculinisation of internal and external genitalia. Without this hormone, these organs can spontaneously develop in a female sense. A decrease in foetal testosterone production can lead to defects in masculinisation observed at birth (such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism). Furthermore, it is likely that a lack of testosterone produced during foetal life can result in a reduced sperm count in adulthood.