May is Asthma Awareness Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the illness that affects nearly 25 million people in the United States.
Did you know that a recent study of 367 mothers and infants by researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine found that if pregnant woman are exposed to BPA, their children may end up with a higher risk of developing asthma early in life?
What is BPA, you might ask? Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical building block that is used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate is used in a wide variety of common products including digital media (e.g., CDs, DVDs), electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports safety equipment, reusable food and drink containers, and many other products.
Through the above mentioned study, 99% of the children were born to mothers who had detectable levels of BPA at some point in their pregnancy. Interestingly, the scientists found that high levels of BPA detected in the mothers at 16 weeks of gestation were associated with asthma in their kids, while high levels later in pregnancy or at birth showed little association. This suggests that the impact of BPA—like other hormone-disrupting chemicals—might be dependent on the timing of exposure for pregnant women, not just the level.
While the dangers of BPA have yet to be proved through conclusive studies, there is still a link between BPA and asthma. The Federal Government has made no move against the chemical, but some countries and states have banned it from products being used by young children.
Until more information is available, Dr. Spanier (lead author of the study) recommends that women of child-bearing age should consider avoiding products made with BPA. The good news is that there are many BPA free products available, such as reusable water bottles, containers, baby bottles & feeding items. Be sure to read the packaging when shopping if you’re in this group or just want to steer clear of BPA.
Worried about BPA? Try an eco water bottle or consider a BPA-Free Formula Dispenser.
