Exhibition MOM chemical plastics linked to wheezing in baby (HealthDay)

children born to women exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) in early pregnancy may be more likely to experience wheezing early in life, according to a new study.

BPA is widely used in consumer products, including several food containers hard plastic water bottles and the coating of metal cans of food and beverages. The chemical is present in more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, the researchers note.

This study consisted of 367 pairs of mothers and children. BPA levels have been measured in the urine of mothers at 16 and 26 weeks gestation and when they gave birth. Parents reported on signs of wheezing in babies every six months to three years.

Tests showed that 99% of children are born to mothers who had detectable BPA in their urine during pregnancy. A link between BPA levels and wheezing was found only in children younger.

Infants 6 months of age, those whose mother had levels high BPA during pregnancy were two times more likely to wheeze as those whose mother was of low levels of BPA. There is no difference in the subdued rate at the time that the children were 3 years old.

The study found a link between a wheezing in children and the BPA levels high in early pregnancy--16 weeks gestation - but not at 26 weeks gestation or birth.

"Consumers need more information about the chemicals in the products they buy so that they can make informed decisions," lead author Dr. Adam j. Spanier, Professor of Pediatrics and public health of Penn State College of Medicine sciencessaid the American Academy of Pediatrics release.

"Further research is needed in this field to determine whether changes should be made in public policies to reduce exposure to this chemical," said Spanier.

According to him, the women of childbearing age consider avoid products containing BPA until more information.

The study was to be presented Sunday at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Denver. Research presented at meetings is considered preliminary because he has not been subjected to the examination required for publication in a refereed journal.