Chemical in Plastics Causes Birth Defects in Mice

April 2, 2003

CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 1, 2003 (ENS) - Scientists have discovered that a common

ingredient used to make plastics causes birth defects in mice. The discovery,

which is the product of laboratory accident, has prompted a call for further

investigation of the possible health risks from bisphenol A, one of the most

commonly used plastic materials. It is found in baby bottles, food and beverage

containers, helmets, compact discs and an array of other items.

The finding, outlined in the April 1 issue of the journal " Current Biology, " was

the product of an external factor influencing a laboratory experiment unrelated

to bisphenol A (BPA.)

According to first author Patricia Hunt, she and her colleagues, who were

studying the processes of cell division, noticed a higher than normal increase

in abnormalities in developing egg cells in a control group of female mice.

Some 40 percent of the cells examined had evidence of aneuploidy, a misalignment

of chromosomes. The finding made little sense within the context of the

experiment and Hunt eventually determined that an alkaline detergent used to

clean the cages had deteriorated the plastic and released small amounts of BPA.

The researchers then deliberately exposed mice to the chemical and found similar

evidence of abnormalities in the mice's developing eggs. Aneuploidy is the

leading cause of miscarriage, congenital defects and mental retardation in

humans.

Chemical groups have said low levels of BPA are not harmful to humans, but this

study gives reason to question this belief, Hunt said.

" We don't know what the effects, if any, may be on humans at these low levels, "

said Hunt, a researcher with the Department of Genetics at Case Western

University. " But a study in Germany indicates pregnant women are exposed to

similar levels of BPA, which is used in food and beverage containers. Certainly

we should be concerned enough to carry out extensive further study. "

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