BPA in bottles linked to low sperm counts

BPA in bottles linked to low sperm counts

Sperm counts can be lowered by high levels of the organic chemical Bisphenol A or BPA, according to the first human study directly linking sperm count to the chemical.

The study, published online on Thursday in the journal Fertility and Sterility, comes two weeks after Canada classified BPA as a toxic substance.

Researchers led by Dr. De-Kun Li of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California examined Chinese factory workers who were exposed to high levels BPA and discovered that their sperm counts were low.

Men with low sperm counts can still have children, but the study authors said that similar findings in humans as shown by their study reflect previous findings in animals.

BPA is a common ingredient in manufacturing plastic products like bottles, food containers, eyeglasses, and dental sealants. It is present in urine samples of many Americans.

Animal research had shown that the chemical can contribute to the development of cancer and reproductive disorders. Researchers of studies like the one by made by Kaiser and funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, are moving on to human trials to confirm the earlier results in animals.

Posted by George Daniels on Friday October 29 2010, 5:40 AM EDT. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0