New research shows that bisphenol A can alter the normal activity of genes in non-cancerous breast cells so that they act similar to highly-aggressive tumour cells.

In an article in today’s Globe and Mail, Shanaz Dairkee, the study’s lead author is quoted as saying the reaction "is highly supportive of the concept that overexposure to BPA and/or similar compounds could be an underlying factor in the aggressiveness, if not in the causality" of breast cancers. The study appears in the journal Cancer Research.

Bisphenol A has made headlines in Canada this week after a report that Health Canada is set to label the compound a “dangerous substance.” Though a Health Canada spokesperson said the report jumped the gun, according to CTV, that announcement could come as early as today.