Babies Exposed to BPA in Pregnancy Could Suffer from Breathing Problems

Babies born to mothers with a high concentration of BPA in their urine during pregnancy may be at risk for asthma, wheezing and other breathing problems.

According to the findings of a new study, babies exposed to the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in pregnancy may be more likely to suffer breathing problems by the age of five, which raises additional concerns about the adverse effects of the chemical used in many plastics and food containers. In the study, published this week in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, researchers determined that the higher the concentration of BPA in a mother’s urine during early pregnancy, the greater the risk of wheezing in the child. If you believe your child has been adversely affected by a dangerous consumer product, our consumer advocates at the Leading Justice can help put you in touch with a qualified product liability lawyer today.

Adverse Effects of BPA Exposure in Pregnancy

Researchers involved in the BPA study examined 400 mother-infant pairs in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, analyzing maternal urine samples during pregnancy, at 16 weeks and at 26 weeks, as well as urine samples from the children each year after birth. The researchers also examined the children’s forced expiratory volume (FEV), which measures the amount of air children are able to exhale during a forced breath. According to their findings, the higher the BPA concentration in a mother’s urine during pregnancy, the lower the lung function in the children at age four.

BPA May Inhibit Lung Function in Children

While the researchers were unable to find any association between the level of BPA in a child’s urine and their own lung capacity or wheezing, a mother’s urinary BPA concentration at 16 weeks was associated with persistent wheezing in the child. More specifically, every 10-fold increase in the average maternal urinary concentration of BPA was linked to a 54.8% increase in the child’s risk of wheezing, and a 14.% decrease in the child’s predicted FEV at four years. According to the researchers, prenatal exposure to BPA was associated with reduced lung function and the risk of developing a persistent wheeze.

FDA Bans Use of BPA in Baby Bottles

BPA is a controversial chemical commonly used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, such as water bottles, canned food linings, toys and food storage containers. In 2012, the FDA announced a ban on the use of BPA in baby bottles, but determined that there was insufficient evidence available to support a widespread BPA ban. Unfortunately, asthma rates across the country have continued to climb in recent years, and while health experts have placed the blame on airborne pollutants and tobacco smoke, many critics have suggested that BPA may also be the cause.

A Product Liability Lawyer Can Help

The findings of this study appear to support the results of research published last year, which indicated that BPA exposure in utero may increase a child’s chances of developing asthma after birth. The researchers involved in that study concluded that high urinary BPA concentrations in nearly 600 pregnant women were linked to an increased risk of asthma and wheezing in children by the age of 12. In another study conducted by researchers from Duke University, BPA exposure was found to inhibit the proper formation of the human brain, with lasting effects on neurodevelopment. If you or your child has suffered serious injuries allegedly caused by a dangerous consumer product, contact an experienced product liability attorney to discuss your legal options.
[box type=”note” align=”aligncenter” ]Source: http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1913573[/box]