Plastic water bottles cause migraines

Migraines from plastic bottles? And yet, the plastic bottles and cups we drink water from may cause headaches and migraines, according to a new study from the University of Kansas, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.

Plastic everyday items and packaging contain the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), which mimics oestrogen and is implicated in infertility, miscarriages, heart attacks and many other health problems.

As part of their study, the scientists exposed mice to the chemical bisphenol A every three years and monitored their behaviour.

According to the researchers, within half an hour of exposure to the chemical, the mice lost their energy, were disturbed by noises and light, were easily startled and showed signs of head discomfort.

Migraines are linked to sudden changes in levels of oestrogen, the female hormones that are mimicked by the dangerous substance bisphenol A.

As the study found, mice exposed to bisphenol A showed severe migraine symptoms.

Bisphenol A is found everywhere from car dashboards to bathroom curtains, receipts and cosmetics.

Many countries around the world, including European Union member states, Canada and China, have banned the dangerous chemical from baby bottles.

Apart from plastic bottles, other sources of bisphenol A in the diet include large water bottles in offices and shops, food packaging and plastic food containers heated in microwave ovens.