Prenatal exposures to bisphenol a (BPA) in 10 Caribbean countries

There is a growing body of evidence that exposures to bisphenol A (BPA) can lead to adverse health outcome. In this study, the prevalence of BPA was assessed in 10 Caribbean countries by taking maternal urine samples from approximately 50 pregnant women in each island. BPA was detected in all samples ranging from a low geometric mean of 1.46 μg/L (Antigua & Barbuda) to a high of 4.88 μg/L (St. Kitts & Nevis). These data were then compared with comparable data from Canada and the U.S. All sampled Caribbean islands had geometric mean concentration levels that were higher than those recorded in Canada (1.26 μg/L); four Caribbean islands had geometric mean concrentation levels that were higher than those recorded in the U.S. (2.41 μg/L). While the full impact on human health from low level exposures to BPA are still being fully evaluated, this first systematic biomonitoring study on the concentrations of BPA in maternal samples taken from 10 Caribbean countries clearly points to the need for Caribbean governments and public health officials to have programs in place that continuously monitor, intervene, and evaluate these exposures in Caribbean persons to ensure that they are reduced as far as possible.