New research has shown that on average girls are starting puberty a year earlier than 20 years ago. A study of 1,000 girls found that breast development now begins around the age of nine years and ten months.  Scientists have spoken of the serious implications for girls’ physical and emotional health.

Dr Anders Juul, of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, which carried out the research, said: ‘If girls mature early, they run into teenage problems at an early age and they’re more prone to diseases later on. ‘It’s a clear sign that something is affecting our children; whether it’s junk food, environmental chemicals or lack of physical activity.’

Scientists believe the phenomenon could also be down to rising obesity, and changes in diet. Another possible culprit is bisphenol A, a chemical found in the lining of tin cans and babies’ feeding bottles.

If you are concerned about your childs exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals and BPA click here for a guide to BPA free baby bottles, where to find a safe sippy cup and a feature on the amount of popular tinned foods with BPA in.