Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many common household products, such as plastic water bottles and aluminum cans. Given that BPA is detectable in the urine of 93% of the public, it's safe to say that nearly everyone is exposed and that the chemical is quite prevalent in the environment. In recent years, researchers have been taking a closer look at BPA and whether it affects public health. One of the many concerns people have cited is that bisphenol A could increase the risk of miscarriage.
Based on available evidence, the FDA considers BPA to be safe at the levels of exposure most people receive and does not recommend that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA. Many consumers -- and scientists -- are not reassured, however, and continue to call for more study.
Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it has the ability to disrupt the body's hormonal balance. Given the vital roles that hormones play in maintaining body functions, anything that disrupts the body's hormonal balance can potentially have wide ranging effects on health. No one disputes that BPA can disrupt hormones, but most of the debate centers around whether the quantities people encounter in normal daily life can pose any serious risk.
Given the challenges involved in removing chemicals from the marketplace, regulatory bodies tend to look for incontrovertible proof of risk before advocating such measures or advising the public to avoid the chemicals. In the case of BPA, evidence exists on both sides and is a matter of hot debate.
For the claim that bisphenol A is unsafe, numerous studies have uncovered health risks from varying levels of exposure to the chemical. Critics assert that those studies either have had methodological problems or have looked at doses higher than what people encounter through normal daily life. But those who are concerned about BPA often respond by saying that studies in favor of bisphenol A's safety are funded by industrial organizations with a vested financial interest in bisphenol A not being banned and that there is simply not enough information for anyone to conclude that the levels of BPA exposure in daily life are actually safe.
It is not currently possible to know what the truth is in the overall picture of the safety of BPA. But in terms of pregnancy loss, read on for a rundown of the evidence that links bisphenol A exposure with risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
