The highly debated subject of the plastic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is not over yet. A new study being released today says that the controversial chemical, suspected of causing cancer, stays in the body much longer than previously thought. The chemical has been linked to cancer, diabetes, heart disease and developmental problems in children.

 

The study suggests that exposure to BPA may come from different sources, such as baby bottles or food containers, besides food products.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration said the chemical was safe. However, the agency agreed to revise its earlier ruling. The American Chemistry Council, which represents makers of BPA, also says that the chemical is safe for all uses. This opinion was criticised by environmental groups that said government oversight and regulation of this toxic chemical should be stricter.

 

The study led by Dr. Richard W. Stahlhut, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Environmental Health Sciences Center, New York, included data on 1,469 people who participated in the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

 

After 10 to 15 hours of fasting, the toxic chemical was found in 93% of American tested. Virtually, almost everyone has a detectable level of BPA in the body. The researchers compared BPA’s levels to the time that had passed since their last meal.

The Canadian government was the only national government in the world to take a decisive action against bisphenol A. In 2008, the federal government decided to add the toxic chemical on Canada’s list of toxic substances.