Substance in plastics linked with human diseases

The study has found a 'significant relationship between urine concentrations of the environmental estrogen bisphenol A (BPA) and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities'.

This is the first time BPA has been shown to directly cause harm to humans and until now, environmental and consumer activists questioning the safety of the chemical's use have only had ammunition for their argument from research showing BPA exposure harmed laboratory animals.

The British researchers analysed urine and blood samples from 1455 American adults aged 18 to 74 who were representative of the general population and they found that the 25% with the highest levels of bisphenol A in their bodies were more than twice as likely to have heart disease and, or diabetes compared to the 25% with the lowest levels.

The study authors say further research will be needed to understand whether these statistical associations have any relevance at all for human health - but they say the chemical is present in more than 90% of people.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US is being urged to reconsider the safety of BPA.