BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhuanet) -- A chemical in some plastic food and drink packaging including baby bottles sold in U.S. may be linked to early puberty, prostate and breast cancer, according to a preliminary U.S. government report issued on Tuesday.

    Experiments on rats found precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty when the animals were fed or injected with low doses of the plastics chemical bisphenol A, the U.S. federal National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, said on Tuesday.

    The chemical bisphenol A, also called BPA, is used in many baby bottles and the plastic lining of cans of baby formulations. It leaches out of water bottles, the lining of cans and other items made with it.

    The group said the studies only provide "limited evidence" of bisphenol's developmental risks, but it stressed the possible effects on humans "cannot be dismissed."

    Environmentalists hailed the report as the first step toward reassessing a chemical they believe could cause health problems.

    "We're hoping this decision will force FDA to recognize the toxicity of this chemical and make manufacturers set a safety standard that's protective of the most vulnerable populations," said Dr. Anila Jacobs of the Environmental Working Group.

    But chemical makers said the warning drew overly worrisome conclusions.

    The conclusions confirmed that human exposure to bisphenol A is extremely low, said the American Chemistry Council industry group.

    The National Toxicology Program will solicit public opinions on its initial report through May. A final version will be issued this summer.

    Canada's health agency is also examining the health risks of bisphenol and expected to issue its findings in coming days.

    (Agencies)