health
Gestational BPA linked to behavioral and emotional problems in young girls
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 7, 2011
Female babies who are exposed to bisphenol A while in their mother's womb have an increased risk of behavioral and emotional problems when they get older, according to a study published online Oct. 24 in Pediatrics.
Researchers collected data from 244 mothers and their 3-year-old children who live in the Cincinnati area and participated in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment Study. Mothers provided two urine samples during pregnancy and one after birth. Children's urine also was tested for BPA at ages 1, 2 and 3. Children's behavior was assessed at age 3.
Researchers found that BPA was detected in more than 85% of the mothers' urine samples and in more than 96% of the children's samples (link).
Increased gestational concentrations of the chemical were associated with more hyperactive, aggressive, anxious and depressed behavior among girls. Such children also had poorer emotional control and inhibition than girls with lower BPA levels. This relationship was not seen among boys.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/07/hlbf1107.htm.
