New York: A chemical used to harden plastic is harmful to humans, particularly foetuses and small children, new studies indicate.

The chemical Bisphenol A, used to harden plastics in baby bottles, food containers, cling wrap, toys, CDs, sunglasses, and thousands of other products, may be harmful.

Tests on animals and other research indicate that it can be toxic even at very low doses.

Past studies found that this chemical, also known as BPA, may cause a wide range of health problems, including breast and prostate cancer, infertility, diabetes, brain damage, even obesity.

It is part of a class of chemicals that scientists say disrupt the hormonal system, mimicking the effects of hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone.

But the preliminary findings of a survey by the National Institute of Health's National Toxicology Programme in the US found that adults have almost nothing to worry about although there is some concern about the chemical's affect on foetuses and small children.

The scientists who say that the chemical is especially toxic to babies and children point to hundreds of studies showing that Bisphenol A harms animals. They say problems occur at exposure levels equivalent to those commonly seen in humans, reported the online edition of The Baltimore Sun.

The debate over BPA has heated up in recent months. In August, 38 researchers published an article warning that "human exposure to Bisphenol A is widespread" and exists at levels shown to cause harm in animal experiments.

After reviewing more than 700 studies, the international researchers concluded that the chemical could damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the immune system, and may cause cancer. IANS