Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is used in a variety of consumer products, such as water bottles, dental composites and resins used to line metal food and beverage containers. Often, aquatic environments such as rivers and streams become reservoirs for contaminants, including BPA. Now, University of Missouri researchers and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have determined that fish exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals will pass adverse reproductive effects onto their offspring as many as three generations later. These findings suggest that BPA could have adverse reproductive effects for humans and their offspring who are exposed to BPA as well.
“This study examined concentrations of BPA and other chemicals that are not expected to be found in most environmental situations,” Tillitt said. “However, concern remains about the possibility of passing on adverse reproductive effects to future generations at lower levels.”