Exposure To Chemical In Plastic Linked To Prostate Cancer

Scientists have found that exposure to a chemical that leaks from plastic causes genetic changes in animal’s developing prostate glands that may initiate the most common form of cancer in males.

Bisphenol A or BPA is the chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic of baby bottles, microwave cookware and other consumer goods. In previous studies, health experts and scientists have discovered that chemicals in the environment mimic estrogens and may be a contributing factor to female and male reproductive diseases including prostate cancer. BPA ranks among the world’s most widely used industrial chemicals.

The scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Cincinnati exposed newborn rats to low doses of BPA. Results showed the structure of genes in their prostate cells was permanently altered. One key gene was switched on, producing cell-damaging enzyme that has been detected in cancerous prostate cells but not normal cells. These results are in line with previous animal research that shows chemicals can induce genetic changes that alter sperm and other reproductive functions.

“The present findings provide the first evidence of a direct link between developmental low-dose bisphenol A… and carcinogenesis of the prostate gland,” the team scientists said. The researchers cautioned that the study was conducted on rats, which reacts differently from humans. “You can’t say from the results of this study that this is going to effect humans,” Dr. Rebecca Sokol said, a University of Southern California medical professor who specializes in male hormone research. But she said the new study is “cutting-edge work.” It adds to a growing body of research that suggests environmental chemicals can alter how DNA sequences turn on and off in a fetus inducing changes and sensitizing him or her to disease in adulthood.