BPA linked to women’s health problems

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to yet more health problems—this time, researchers say the plastic additive can negatively affect women’s reproductive systems, causing chromosome damage, birth defects and miscarriages.

A study conducted by Washington State University and UC Davis, found that rhesus monkeys—which have similar reproductive systems to humans—exposed to BPA in utero suffered reproductive abnormalities, increasing their risk of having miscarriages or offspring with birth defects like Down syndrome, according to Fox News. The pregnant monkeys were also found to pass the chemical to their offspring through the placenta.

BPA has previously been linked to breast cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, obesity and prostate cancer. A 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found 92.6 percent of Americans over 6 years old had detectable levels of BPA in their urine.