Plastics Chemical Linked to Male Sex Problems

A study of workers exposed to high levels of bisphenol A—a chemical widely used in plastic bottles and packaging—have a much higher incidence of sexual dysfunction than their counterparts. The study of Chinese workers found those exposed to BPA were 4 times more likely to report erectile dysfunction and low sexual desire. They were 7 times more likely to report problems with ejaculation.

The findings, published in the journal Human Reproduction, prompted one hospital official to suggest people buy BPA-free products, reports WebMd. “It is interesting information,” countered an American Chemical Council spokesman, “but is of little relevance to the average consumer using products with trace levels of BPA.” (More BPA stories.)