Males at Higher Risk of Autism When Exposed to BPA Chemicals During Pregnancy: Study

With the disorder on the rise, BPA-exposed children had a six times higher risk of being diagnosed with autism by 11 years of age.

A doctor examines a pregnant woman at a health center in Denver, Colo., on March 15, 2017. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images

Male fetuses exposed to the plastic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) while still in their mother’s womb risk developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other brain abnormalities, according to a recent study.

BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that upsets the body’s functioning by blocking or mimicking hormones.