Chemical linked to disease

A research team from Exeter University, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth University and the University of Iowa has found evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) to diabetes and heart disease in adults.

This is the first time that evidence has emerged of the association between higher BPA levels and disease in adults.

BPA is a controversial chemical commonly used in food and drink containers. It has previously caused concerns over health risks to babies, as it is present in some baby’s bottles.

BPA is used in polycarbonate plastic products such as refillable drinks containers, compact discs, some plastic eating utensils and many other products in everyday use.

It is one of the world’s highest production volume chemicals, with over 2.2m tonnes produced in 2003, with an annual growth in demand of between six and 10 per cent each year.

Many previous studies in laboratory animals have suggested that BPA is safe, but some laboratory studies have raised doubts.