Fetal Exposure to BPA May Result in Prostate Cancer Later in Life

Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago have found evidence that fetal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) can increase risk for prostate cancer later in life.  BPA is found in a variety of common consumer products, from hard plastic reusable water bottles to the linings of food cans to grocery store receipts, and fetal exposure occurs when pregnant women use these items and ingest or absorb BPA.

When absorbed into the body, BPA mimics the hormone estrogen and is believed to be an endocrine disruptor.  Rising estrogen levels in aging men is known to be linked to prostate cancer.

BPA has also been linked to obesity in children and may disrupt egg development in women of childbearing age.

California recently designated BPA as a chemical known to cause reproductive toxicity, meaning that products sold in the state that contained BPA would require a health hazard warning.  The American Chemistry Council sued, resulting in the delisting of BPA, at least until a trial can proceed.

The Chanler Group represents citizen enforcers who, acting in the public interest, commence actions against businesses offering products for sale in California that contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm without first providing the health hazard warning required by Proposition 65. Citizen enforcers bringing Proposition 65 actions in the public interest may obtain a Court Judgment imposing civil penalties, an injunction requiring reformulation of products, and/or provision of health hazard warnings. The Chanler Group has represented citizen enforcers of Proposition 65 for more than twenty years.