A new study out of China has shown that men exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) are at greater risk of sexual health problems. While other health risks including cancer and brain damage have been linked to the chemical found in some hard plastics, this is a new risk.

The study looked at the levels of sexual dysfunction in two groups of males, one with high levels of exposure to BPA and one without that exposure. The findings were that BPA is like estrogen when it enters the body, preventing male sex hormones from working properly. As a result the group of men with high exposure to BPA had four times greater risk of erectile dysfunction than those who did not have the high exposure.

While this study does not demonstrate cause and effect, it comes very close. The data is very convincing, although it will need to be repeated to support its findings on a larger level. While animal studies had shown a link between sexual dysfunction and BPA exposure, this was the first human study to do so. It should help to raise awareness of the dangers of BPA which is used in hard plastics.