In reaching this conclusion, the researchers collected the placenta of five pregnant women immediately after childbirth to exhibit a very low concentration of the polycarbonate. Result: it will damage the placental cells irreversibly.

This recent study demonstrating the direct effect of BPA on the mechanisms of defense and protection of the fetus. “A hundredth of what was found in the blood of pregnant women may be harmful to the fetus,” says Aris Aziz, a doctor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Sherbrooke.

Low exposure to this compound could even lead, the researchers of this study, pre-eclampsia, prematurity and miscarriage. These results were published on the website of the journal Elsevier.

BPA Partout

Impossible, almost, to avoid exposure to BPA. It is used in the manufacture of many plastics, including food such as plastic film or quick meals resins lining cans (some recycling codes – 3 (PVC) and 7 – to allow detection in packaging around us).

And, when heated – as in a passage in the microwave – the plastic releases a low dose of BPA in food. Moreover Canada banned the sale of baby bottles containing BPA in 2008.

“Even if our body defends itself, the nature of EPS makes it dangerous. There is talk of an endocrine disruptor that affects the health of our reproductive health, “says Dr. Aris. We also suspect the BPA to act on sperm production and in particular contribute to cancer development.

A recent French study of the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) also ranked as the BPA toxic element. According to this study, it would reduce the permeability of the intestine, causing inflammation and increase sensitivity to pain.

BPA will not disappear for many of our groceries. The Food Directorate of Health Canada maintains that current exposure to BPA from the packaging materials of food poses no danger to consumers.

Source:Agence Science-Presse,13/01/10.