A new study released (2011) shows that exposure to a common ingredient in plastic bottles and packaging can cause male mice to act like females. The lead author of the study discusses its significance for humans. A chemical used to produce baby bottles, cups and plastic packaging may cause male mice to act like females, a new study finds. Published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study shows that male deer mice exposed to the organic compound Bisphenol A (BPA) appeared more anxious and lost their ability to quickly navigate a maze. Both traits are highly uncommon for male deer mice but typical in females, the scientists say. The male mice also appeared to lose their ability to attract females. At a rate of 2-to-1, test females rejected BPA-exposed males as potential breeding partners, leading the studys authors to conclude that BPA exposure for males "Could impact behavioral cues, pheromone signaling, or both." The study is just the latest strike against BPA, which many scientists call an endocrine-disrupting agent that mimics the bodys hormones and causes a slate of health defects in humans. Previous animal studies have found that BPA may accelerate puberty and could lead to cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Even so, it continues to be widely used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, especially plastic bottles, as well as in the lining of canned food containers, dental sealants and some medical devices.
