High levels of bisphenol A, a chemical found in some food and drinks containers, may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
An epidemiological analysis of 1,455 adults in the United States, published this week (I. A. Lang et al. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 300, 1303–1310; 2008), is the first to find a link between bisphenol A and disease in humans. The results are likely to fuel further debate over whether the chemical should be banned, but the authors caution that the study must first be replicated.
Earlier this year, the US National Toxicology Program expressed "some concern" about the possible impact of the compound on fetuses, infants and children.
In a draft report released in August, the US Food and Drug Administration stated that "food contact" products containing bisphenol A are safe. The agency has said it will continue to review the compound as more data become available.
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Bisphenol A exposure may pose disease risk. Nature 455, 276 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/455276f
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/455276f
