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Bisphenol A and chronic disease risk factors in US children

Donna S Eng1, Joyce M Lee, Achamyeleh Gebremariam

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Pediatrics
|August 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Higher urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels in children are linked to increased odds of obesity and abnormal waist circumference. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of BPA exposure on child health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with widespread human exposure.
  • Childhood obesity and related chronic diseases are significant public health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between urinary BPA levels and adiposity measures in US children.
  • To examine the relationship between BPA exposure and chronic disease risk factors in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2010 data.
  • Inclusion of children aged 6-18 years, assessing urinary BPA, BMI, and waist circumference.
  • Statistical adjustments for demographics, creatinine, tobacco exposure, and soda consumption.

Main Results:

  • Increased quartiles of urinary BPA were significantly associated with higher odds of obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile).
  • Higher BPA levels correlated with an increased likelihood of abnormal waist circumference-to-height ratio.
  • No significant associations were found between BPA and other tested chronic disease risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated urinary BPA levels are associated with increased odds of obesity and abnormal waist circumference in children.
  • Longitudinal studies are essential to establish temporal relationships and causality.
  • Findings highlight potential risks of BPA exposure during critical developmental periods in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
NHANESbisphenol Achildrenendocrine disrupting chemicalobesity

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