BPA chemical found in urine of over 94% infants and under-five children: PGI study

Researchers found that the presence of the chemical among infants and toddlers was significantly high, indicating early-life exposure to plastics and environmental sources. For the study, children aged 2 to 60 months attending anganwadi centres in Chandigarh were included. A total of 184 urine samples were collected and analysed to measure BPA levels.

The results showed that 174 out of the 184 children (94.56 per cent) had detectable BPA levels in their urine, suggesting that more than nine out of every ten children in the study had been exposed to the chemical.

Doctors associated with the research said BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which means it can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Long-term exposure to such chemicals has been linked to possible effects on child development, neurodevelopment and metabolic health.

Researchers reported an average BPA level of 2.74 nanograms per millilitre, which is comparable with international biomonitoring data. Similar levels have been reported in global studies, including the NHANES survey in the United States, indicating comparable exposure patterns.

Although feeding with a plastic bottle did not emerge as a statistically significant risk factor for BPA exposure, the detection of BPA levels among majority of the children included in the study signals an urgent need for unmasking exposure to other sources, given the potential long-term toxicity of BPA among infants and young children.

BPA was detected in 93.9 per cent of ever bottle-fed children and 95.3 per cent of never bottle-fed children, indicating multiple exposure sources beyond plastic bottles.

The researchers also noted that feeding bottles alone may not be the only source of BPA exposure. Plastic containers, packaged food, toys and other household plastic products could also contribute to the presence of the chemical in children.