A great deal of attention has been paid to the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) because of its supposed negative health effects. Of particular concern are the hormone-like actions on young children, especially young girls, and the potential effects that it may have on development.

Now, new research has revealed that BPA exposure can have health consequences on adult men. The findings are the result of a large population study and are the first of their kind to discover changes in the sex hormones of men who have been exposed to the compound.

Researchers followed 715 adult men between the ages of 20 and 74 with the goal of measuring daily BPA excretion through urine and then study any statistical associations between those levels excreted and the levels of estrogen and testosterone in their blood.

What they found was that an average daily exposure level of 5 micrograms per day was associated with detectable endocrine changes in men, particularly for their measured levels of testosterone, which is important in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men.

BPA is similar in chemical structure to estrogen, and previous research in animal models has found that it can disrupt hormonal signaling. The current study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, is the first to reveal any potential effects that BPA may have on adults.

This suggests that even routine or background levels can have physiological consequences may be cause for some concern. It also highlights the need to further examine the health effects of BPA in order to further clarify its effects on people.

BPA is a ubiquitous compound that is used in plastics and is not without its fair share of controversy. The most recent concerns over its use has been in the manufacturing of baby food bottles. Stemming from its potential risks, some countries have either banned its use or are moving to do so.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reversed its stance on BPA and has acknowledged that it may pose a health threat. BPA has in fact been associated with obesity, thyroid disruption, alteration of pancreatic functioning, and cardiovascular disease.

Consequently, the FDA is moving to reduce BPA residues in food. BPA is commonly used in the plastics that are used to package food and drinks. When food or drinks come in contact with these plastics, BPA can leach into them and thus expose whomever is consuming them.

BPA is incredibly prevalent in our world and has one of the world's highest production volumes of any chemical, with over 6.4 billion pounds being produced every year. In terms of human exposure, BPA has been detected in more than 90% of the population.

If you have questions or concerns about BPA, visit the website for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).