bisphenol-a can cause brain damage

Study finds BPA may harm developing brains
By Sarah Dingle

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-26/questions-raised-over-bpa-impact-on-embryos-brains/4540152

A US study has prompted calls for the chemical bisphenol-A to be banned in Australia after it raised questions about its impact on embryo brains.

Researchers at the Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina found that bisphenol-A [BPA] may suppress a gene vital to the development of the central nervous system.

After treating the tissue from baby rats, mice and human embryos with BPA, researchers say the chemical could also predispose humans to neuro-developmental disorders like autism.

While some scientists are questioning the study's methodology, Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, senior adviser to Australia's National Toxics Network, is confident the latest findings could signal the end of Australia's BPA use.
Audio: Listen to the interview with Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith (AM)

"If this particular study doesn't mark the death knell of BPA finally, I would be surprised," she said.

"It shows how BPA can affect the developing brain of our children, our babies, and it clearly gives a process by which that BPA has the effect, which is what's been missing up until now."

In the past, the chemical widely used in food packaging has been linked to obesity, while its use in baby bottles has been banned overseas.


Hopefully, both Australia and NZ ban it.