Female mice exposed to a common chemical found in plastics while in the womb develop abnormal eggs, according to a new study. Based on this finding, researchers speculate that the chemical, bisphenol A, might increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and genetic disorders in humans, such as Down's syndrome.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is commonly found in hard plastics and the lining of tin cans. The chemical has come under scrutiny before because it can mimic the hormone oestrogen.

Hunt is concerned that BPA might disrupt egg development in humans as well. The types of chromosomal defects seen in her mice are known to increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and genetic disorders such as Down's syndrome.

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn10946

[Way cool, we always love to have more retarded children!]