Author: Elisa Hill-Yardin, Professor and Head, Gut-Brain Axis Laboratory, RMIT University

A study out recently has prompted much media attention about the role of plastics in developing autism. In particular, the study focused on exposure to a component of hard plastics – bisphenol A, or BPA – in the womb and the risk of boys developing this neurodevelopmental disorder. Importantly, the study doesn’t show plastics containing BPA cause autism. But it suggests BPA might play a role in oestrogen levels in infant and school-aged boys, which can then affect their chance of being diagnosed with autism. Let’s tease out the details. Remind me, what is BPA? BPA is a component of…