Topic: BPA linked to low birth weights in baby girls
By: Brian Bienkowski & Environmental Health News
Date: September 25, 2015
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bpa-linked-to-low-birth-weights-in-baby-girls/
Date: September 25, 2015
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bpa-linked-to-low-birth-weights-in-baby-girls/
Summary
Recently, a new study has been found that mothers with high levels of BPA in their system during the first trimester of pregnancy for baby born girls weighs less at birth than other babies with lower exposure. Evidence shows that fetal exposure to the universal chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) found in many of today's polycarbonate plastics and food cans may contribute to fetal developmental problems. Low birth weights are linked to health problems later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, infertility and heart disease. It also may cause problems with the endocrine system in early stages. Scientists suspect it could bind to receptors. Proper functioning of these receptors is critical to organ development and function.
BPA and conjugated BPA (the form its in after the body processes it) were both tested by researchers on the mothers' blood during the first trimester and after delivery. According to their results, for every doubling in free BPA in the first-term blood of the mother produces babies that weighs 6.5 ounces less and for every doubling in free BPA at birth will weigh 3 ounces less. About 8 percent of babies born in the United States suffer from low birth weights, considered less than 5.5 pounds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other possible contributors to low birth weights include smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, mothers’ lack of weight gain, mothers’ age and stress. There has not been a link or cases of BPA exposure and baby boy's weights but it has been thought that females are more vulnerable.
Reflection
I was surprised at how severe health problems can be from an environmental problem of countless millions of plastics produced by technology. I think this will concern for both young and older women who are preparing or about to have their own children someday to start considering the BPA products that they may have and trying to keep clear of it as possible. Its not just for their own safety but their child as well. I sense that almost everyday items in the market are being bought are typically plastics but how will we fix that if almost every aspect of our life is the consumable use of plastics. For those of us who have not been aware of this issue should hope that BPA didn't harm ourselves when we were once those little babies.
Recently, a new study has been found that mothers with high levels of BPA in their system during the first trimester of pregnancy for baby born girls weighs less at birth than other babies with lower exposure. Evidence shows that fetal exposure to the universal chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) found in many of today's polycarbonate plastics and food cans may contribute to fetal developmental problems. Low birth weights are linked to health problems later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, infertility and heart disease. It also may cause problems with the endocrine system in early stages. Scientists suspect it could bind to receptors. Proper functioning of these receptors is critical to organ development and function.
BPA and conjugated BPA (the form its in after the body processes it) were both tested by researchers on the mothers' blood during the first trimester and after delivery. According to their results, for every doubling in free BPA in the first-term blood of the mother produces babies that weighs 6.5 ounces less and for every doubling in free BPA at birth will weigh 3 ounces less. About 8 percent of babies born in the United States suffer from low birth weights, considered less than 5.5 pounds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other possible contributors to low birth weights include smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, mothers’ lack of weight gain, mothers’ age and stress. There has not been a link or cases of BPA exposure and baby boy's weights but it has been thought that females are more vulnerable.
Reflection
I was surprised at how severe health problems can be from an environmental problem of countless millions of plastics produced by technology. I think this will concern for both young and older women who are preparing or about to have their own children someday to start considering the BPA products that they may have and trying to keep clear of it as possible. Its not just for their own safety but their child as well. I sense that almost everyday items in the market are being bought are typically plastics but how will we fix that if almost every aspect of our life is the consumable use of plastics. For those of us who have not been aware of this issue should hope that BPA didn't harm ourselves when we were once those little babies.