Scientists have been wondering for several years if xenoestrogens, man-made chemicals similar to estrogen may be increasing the incidence of cancers of the reproductive organs--especially prostate cancer.
When a prostate gland is developing in the male fetus, it is very sensitive to estrogen, and scientists have theorized that prostate cancer incidence may be increasing because of exposure to the xenoestrogens even before they are born.
The study took newborn male rats and exposed them to very low doses of bisphenol A (BPA). They discovered that exposure to the chemical caused a permanent alteration of the gene structure in the prostate cells in such a way that increased the risk for cancer.
Scientists then studied the rats as they grew, and discovered an increased incidence of the precancerous lesions of the prostate that are known to lead to prostate cancer.
BPA is Everywhere
BPA is a chemical widely used in the plastics industry to harden plastic. Research has shown that BPA slowly leaks from the plastic, especially when exposed to high heat or chemical cleaning.
BPA can be found in plastic microwave cookware, plastic food wraps, baby bottles, plastic soda and water bottles, automobiles, medical equipment, and even lining food cans.
Other research as shown that literally every human body tested in the United States has small amounts of BPA, and that BPA crosses a pregnant mother's placental barrier exposing the fetus to the chemical.
Analysis:
Scientists in the study pointed out that this research was performed on rats, and often results found in rats do not transfer to human results.
Further study of this widely used chemical and its long term effects is necessary.
Resources Used in Article Development:
Cone, M., Chemical in Plastics is Tied to Prostate Cancer, Los Angeles Times. (archived at peaceandjustice.org)
Wetherill, Y., et. al., The Xenoestrogen Bisphenol A Induces Inappropriate Androgen Receptor Activation and Mitogenesis in Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Cells, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.
