Ronald Grisanti D.C.,D.A.B.C.O.,M.S.

Researchers and scientists at Boston's Tufts University School of Medicine have uncovered startling evidence that a chemical widely used in plastic food containers may contribute to women developing breast cancer.

The chemical commonly used in plastic cans, dental sealants and resins that line food tins is called bisphenol-A or BPA.

This chemical according to Professor Ana Soto of Tuft's BPA leaches from plastic products and is absorbed in low concentrations by the human body and may be a contributing factor to women developing breast cancer.

An estimated 2.5 million tons of BPA is produced each year worldwide.

Experts believe the findings have alarming implications for human health.

The researchers said the compound is linked to the growth of mammary glands in female mice in a way that made them more likely to develop breast cancer and to respond unusually to estrogen, which fuels most breast cancer in humans.

“This is a chemical that is not only structurally altering the organ, but is permanently changing the function, and that is of huge public concern.” --Professor Frederick vom Saal, of the University of Missouri-Columbia

Professor Frederick vom Saal, of the University of Missouri-Columbia, commenting on the findings, said: "This is of tremendous concern because this is clearly a study that is relevant to human exposure levels to this chemical."

It is the second report in a week to raise concerns about widely used chemicals.

Research has also shown that phthalates, often found in plastics, affects the genital development of baby boys, the Guardian said.

The new study, published in the journal Endocrinology, is the first to suggest that extremely low levels of exposure to BPA in the womb may be harmful.

Professor Frederick vom Saal said it could be assumed that every member of the population was "chronically exposed" to BPA.

“This is a chemical that is not only structurally altering the organ, but is permanently changing the function, and that is of huge public concern.”

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