A study released today by the Environmental Working Group found that nine out of 10 babies tested were born with bisphenol A in their umbilical cord blood.

BPA, developed as an estrogen replacement, is commonly used to make hard, clear plastic. It's used to make everything from the lining of metal food and beverage cans to the coatings of carbonless paper receipts.

Previous studies have found BPA in the urine of 93% of Americans tested. But today's study is the first to find it in the cord blood of US newborns.

BPA makers maintain that the chemical is safe but scientists who study BPA say it interferes with the body's endocrine system.

BPA has been found to cause cell changes that leads to breast and prostate cancers. It is believed to affect the neural and behavioral systems, too.

Health advocates reacted swiftly to the new study:

" Babies are being born already contaminated with BPA. What more compelling evidence could we possibly need to prompt immediate action?,” said Jeanne Rizzo, president of the Breast Cancer Fund.

Laws have been introduced in the House and the Senate to ban BPA in all food contact items.