In a citizen science project, British students studied exposure to the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), a commonly found endocrine-disrupting chemical. Some 86 percent of participants had detectable BPA in their urine, which is comparable to previous studies from around the globe.
By measuring their own body burden and then actively trying to reduce their exposure, they found that it is nearly impossible to avoid this chemical to a significant degree. This is despite the fact that they were well-informed and made every effort to avoid known sources, such as receipts and canned food.
Participants said it was difficult to avoid BPA because it is found in so many products, and there is insufficient labelling to both warn consumers about this as well as point them toward a safe and healthy alternative.
According to University of Exeter Professor of Molecular Genetics Lorna Harries, the study “…shows that currently we do not have much of a choice about being exposed to BPA. We believe that much better labelling of products containing BPA is needed so people can make an informed choice."
[Source: Science Daily]