Chemical poses risk to unborn babies

Unborn babies exposed to a common chemical found in plastics are at higher risk of developing problems with their lungs and breathing when they are older, according to new research.

Scientists say pregnant women exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) – a substance used in food containers, cans, plastic bottles, toys, household electronics, and some types of paper – are more likely to have children suffering with wheezing and poorer lung function.

But experts say the findings, presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress, are preliminary and require further investigation to

“When babies are in the womb, they are vulnerable”

confirm the link between BPA exposure and respiratory effects.

BPA – which is part of a group of chemicals called phenols – is ingested or absorbed through skin contact. Previous research has shown the main source of exposure is through eating foods packaged in plastic containers and cans.

Alicia Abellan, a predoctoral researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and one of the study authors, said: “Phenols are chemicals that we are continuously exposed to in our daily lives and BPA is the most commonly used phenol.

“When babies are still in the womb, they are especially vulnerable to these substances.”

Urine samples showed “detectable quantities” of BPA and other phenols in four out of five pregnant women.

Researchers found women with higher levels of BPA were 13% more likely to have children who suffered with wheezing.