BAYREUTH, Germany - Researchers from the University of Bayreauth in Germany found evidence that common chemicals used in food and beverage storage could possibly cause nerve damage in the brain.

Researchers analyzed BPA, or bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and resins, which are often used in containers that store food and beverages.

Specifically, most metal food and beverage cans have a thin interior coating that contains BPA. This coating protects the can from corrosion, and as a result, prevents contamination from dissolved metals or life-threatening bacteria.

Study authors also analyzed BPA’s chemical relative bisphenol S (BPS) which they say is often considered to be less harmful.

"In recent years, numerous health risks have already been associated with them, especially with bisphenol A (BPA)," study authors wrote.