Bisphenol-A, widely used in plastics, receipt paper and canned food linings, is a culprit in some children developing hyperactivity, researchers say, even as federal regulators insist on its safety.

A review of more than 30 scientific studies concludes early life exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemical BPA leaves children more susceptible to hyperactivity later in life.

The review, published today in Environment International, suggests environmental chemicals such as BPA may be partly to blame for the recent spike in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral issues in children.

The review “is a compelling piece of evidence,” said Heather Patisaul, a researcher and associate professor at North Carolina State University’s Department of Biological Science.

“What regulators think is a ‘safe’ dose for the developing brain may have to be re-evaluated,” added Patisaul, who was not involved in the review.