Evidence of the chemical's risks is mounting
Obesity is a major topic of research these days, especially as it impacts children. The latest findings are that high levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in products from paper receipts to canned foods, may be related to higher rates of obesity. The study, led by researchers from New York University, is the first to link BPA with childhood obesity, although past investigations found the correlation in adults and animals.
The team examined data from 2,838 kids between the ages of 6 and 19, and found that Caucasian children were five times more likely to be obese when they had high blood levels of BPA levels. African-American children were 1.25 times more likely to be obese with the elevated BPA concentrations, but the team said that was not a statistically significant margin.
Research has also linked BPA to other health problems, and some activists are pushing for better regulation of the substance. So far, 11 states have banned the chemical in select products and there is a national ban blocking its use in sippy cups and baby bottles. However, the FDA turned down a petition to keep BPA out of canned food. We'll have to see what happens next.
[Image credit: David Amsler]
This article was written by Anna Washenko and originally appeared on Tecca
More from Tecca: