BPA in Pregnancy: Cashiers, Canned Veggie Eaters Beware?

BPA in Pregnancy: Cashiers, Canned Veggie Eaters Beware?

Pregnant women who work as cashiers, are exposed to tobacco smoke, or eat lots of canned veggies may have higher urinary levels of the controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA), according to a new study. These levels tended to ebb and flow throughout pregnancy, according to the study, which appears in Environmental Health Perspectives.

Exactly how these findings pertain to the health of pregnant women and the developing fetus is not known. Some preliminary studies have suggested that higher levels of BPA may be associated with certain childhood behavior issues as well as obesity. The FDA has called for more study on BPA, citing "potential health concerns."

Many manufacturers have already taken steps to eliminate the BPA in baby bottles and cups, but this chemical is also found in the linings of canned foods, cigarette filters, and in certain "carbonless" receipts, where it coats paper to prevent ink smears.