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Background
Keywords
Findings
Authors
What is already known on this subject?
What does this study add?

Text begins

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic industrial chemical commonly used in consumer products. Results from the Canadian Heath Measures Survey (CHMS) indicate that more than 90% of children and youth aged 6 to 19 have detectable levels of urinary BPA. Childhood concentration levels of BPA have been linked with negative behavioural outcomes.

Methods

The data are from the first two cycles (2007 to 2009 and 2009 to 2011) of the CHMS, which collected biomonitoring indicators via spot blood and urine samples. Behavioural outcomes—hyperactivity/inattention, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, and prosocial behaviour—were assessed with Goodman’s Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Geometric mean urinary BPA concentration was examined overall and by demographic and socioeconomic correlates. Six multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate associations between childhood BPA concentrations and risk status for each outcome.

Results

Children aged 6 to 8 had higher BPA concentrations than did older children and youth. Concentrations were significantly higher among children and youth exposed to second-hand smoke every day or almost every day and those in low or lower-middle income households. Higher BPA concentrations were associated with increased odds of hyperactivity among girls and lower prosocial behaviour among boys.

Interpretation

These findings suggest an association between urinary BPA concentration and children’s behavioural outcomes.

Keywords

Biomonitoring, detection, environmental exposure, hyperactivity, prosocial behavior, tobacco smoke

Findings

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic industrial chemical commonly used in consumer products such as re-usable bottles, toys and plastic dinnerware, epoxy resins that coat the interior of metal food containers, and dental composites and sealants. Biomonitoring results from the Canadian Heath Measures Survey (CHMS) indicate widespread exposure among children and youth, with 93% of 6- to 11-year-olds and 94% of 12- to 19-year-olds having detectable levels of urinary BPA. Although evidence is inconclusive, even low levels of BPA exposure may be associated with negative health outcomes for children, including behavioural problems. [Full Text]

Authors

Leanne C. Findlay (leanne.findlay@statcan.gc.ca) and Dafna E. Kohen (dafna.kohen@statcan.gc.ca) are with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

What is already known on this subject?

  • Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic industrial chemical commonly used in consumer products.
  • More than 90% of children and youth aged 6 to 19 have detectable levels of urinary BPA.
  • Childhood concentration levels of BPA have been linked with behavioural outcomes.

What does this study add?

  • Younger children, those exposed to second-hand smoke every day or almost every day, and those in lower income families had higher urinary BPA concentrations.
  • BPA levels were associated with hyperactivity in girls and lower prosocial behaviour in boys.
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