Aug. 4, 2010 In one of the first human studies of its kind,
researchers have found that urinary concentrations of the
controversial chemical Bisphenol A, or BPA, may be related to
decreased sperm quality and sperm concentration. However, the
researchers are quick to point out that these results are
preliminary and more study is needed. Several studies have
documented adverse effects of BPA on semen in rodents, but none
are known to have reported similar relationships in humans. BPA
is a common chemical that's stirred much controversy in the
media lately over its safety. Critics say that BPA mimics the
body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. BPA
is most commonly used to make plastics and epoxy resins used in
food and beverage cans, and people are exposed primarily through
diet, although other routes are possible. More than 6 billion
pounds of BPA are produced annually. The new study, published
online in the journal Reproductive Toxicology, suggests that
more research should focus on BPA an