Another sign of BPA's dangers

Few of us have heard of bisphenol A, or BPA, but most of us are carrying it around in our bodies. And more of us should be concerned about that.

This week, the medical journal Pediatrics published the latest in a series of studies warning about the health effects of the chemical, which has been used for decades to harden plastics and to line food and beverage cans to help make them leak-proof.

Researchers tracked BPA levels in 244 pregnant women in the Cincinnati area and found that the daughters of mothers with higher levels of the chemical were more prone to develop behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and anxiety.

Although the problems fell within the normal range of behavior measures, the study's authors and federal health officials expressed concerns that the level of exposure detailed in the study could contribute to academic and social problems.

It's unclear why boys weren't affected, at least in this study, but as The Associated Press reported, scientists believe BPA mimics the effects of estrogen, a female hormone.

Previous studies have raised concerns about the effect of BPA on the brain development of fetuses and small children.

Although some trade groups continue to defend the safety of the chemical, the industry has phased it out in recent years. Wal-Mart, among other retailers, no longer sells baby bottles or sippy cups containing BPA. And some manufacturers have begun touting the fact that their plastic products, such as coffee cups and water bottles, are BPA-free.

The Food and Drug Administration, unfortunately, has been too slow to address the problem. Three years ago, it assessed available data and said exposure at low levels did not pose a health threat. Since then, additional research prompted the FDA to launch new studies and to praise retailers and manufacturers who've voluntarily eliminated products containing BPA.

Given the mounting evidence that the chemical has far-reaching effects on the lives of children and adults, federal officials need to accelerate limits and - at least in some cases - bans on the use of BPA.

Last year, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., tried to attach an amendment to a food safety bill that would have banned the use of BPA in children's bottles and cups. The amendment was blocked, partly in reaction to lobbying by the chemical industry and partly because of concern that it would delay or endanger passage of long-debated improvements in the nation's food inspection process.

Neither the FDA nor Congress should dither further. For now, consumers can look for BPA-free labels on products, but such notices aren't universal or standardized. The government has an obligation to protect the public's health - particularly children at a crucial stage of development.