"Chemical BPA May Harm Developing Fetus, Quebec Study Suggests"

"MONTREAL -- A common chemical used in the plastic lining of frozen-food dinners and many other products is endangering the development of fetuses in pregnant women, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the Universite de Sherbrooke have shown that Bisphenol A (BPA) -- an industrial chemical used in many plastics -- harms stem cells in the placenta that nourish the fetus. The study is the first to focus on the impact of BPA on cytotrophoblasts, cells that attach the fetus to the uterus."

Aaron Derfel reports for the Montreal Gazette December 9, 2009.