A new study from the University of Granada in Spain has found a significant link between exposure to common chemicals and early puberty in young girls.
Published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, the research analyzed urine samples from 310 girls aged 4 to 8 years across six Spanish hospitals.
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Of these, 182 had been diagnosed with precocious puberty or premature breast development, while 128 showed no signs of early maturation and served as a control group.
The results showed that every doubling of bisphenol A (BPA) was associated with a 44% higher risk of early puberty.
For diagnosed cases of precocious puberty, the risk increased by 69%, and the likelihood of early breast development rose by 29% for each doubling of the compound.
Endocrine Disruptors in Everyday Products
BPA is widely used in plastics, resins, and food packaging. Benzophenones serve as ultraviolet filters in sunscreens and cosmetics.
Both are endocrine disruptors that interfere with natural hormone regulation, including estrogen.
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Girls with the highest concentrations of benzophenones in their urine were about three times more likely to show early signs of puberty.
No similar association was found for parabens, which were also analyzed.
When examining simultaneous chemical exposures, researchers identified a 20% increase in the overall likelihood of early sexual development, with BPA as the primary contributor.
Although the European Union banned BPA in food-contact materials starting January 2025, researchers stressed that children remain exposed through various daily items.
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Other international studies, including research in China and the United States, have also linked environmental phenols and phthalates to earlier puberty in girls.
