Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxies. It has been linked to environmental and health concerns, including adverse effects on marine life and human health. While low levels of BPA are detected in most Americans, exposure can be reduced by choosing glass containers and avoiding hot liquids in plastic bottles.
Bisphenol A is an organic compound composed of two phenolic groups which is produced by the condensation of acetone with carbolic acid. It is also known as 4,4′-dihydroxy-2,2-diphenylpropane or simply BPA. Bisphenol A is used as a reactive monomer to polymerize proteins, initiating a chemical process that leads to the formation of polymer chains. As such, bisphenol A is produced in large quantities for the primary purpose of making polycarbonate plastics and epoxies.
Polycarbonate plastic is used to make a variety of products, including eyeglass lenses, bulletproof glass, medical and safety equipment, compact discs, and plastic bottles. Epoxies are used to coat or coat products, such as canned goods, plumbing fixtures, plastic tableware, plastic food containers, and bottle caps and lids. In the case of plastics, items marked with a recycling code of 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 are unlikely to contain bisphenol A; those marked 3 or 7 may be made BPA-free, although this code doesn’t mean they definitely are.
Although bisphenol A has been used commercially for more than half a century, it has only become familiar to consumers in recent years. This is due to concerns about the impact of bisphenol A on the environment and human health. Environmental studies indicate that this organic compound interferes with nitrogen uptake in some plants, namely legumes such as beans. Several studies have also found levels of bisphenol A in municipal wastewater. In addition, bisphenol A has been determined to be harmful to marine life.
In studies using animal models, low-level exposure to bisphenol A has resulted in the observation of several adverse health effects. These effects include changes in breast tissue, the early onset of puberty, a decline in testosterone production, and an increase in prostate weight, among others. However, these studies involved injecting high levels of bisphenol A and may not accurately represent normal exposure.
In terms of the impact of long-term exposure to bisphenol A on humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 95 percent of Americans over the age of six have low bisphenol A levels which can be detected in the urine. Researchers believe that bisphenol A can enter the body through regular consumption of foods and drinks packed in materials that have been treated with the substance. In addition to consuming canned goods and drinking from plastic bottles, exposure can also result from consuming certain wines or even having your teeth sealed.
Of particular concern is the possibility that bisphenol A could be leached from products treated with BPA, including plastic water bottles and baby bottles. However, exposure can also occur due to air pollution and skin absorption. While more research is needed, preliminary studies in humans suggest that high levels of bisphenol A in the body are associated with increased incidences of diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, this compound is known to be an endocrine disruptor due to possessing estrogen-like properties.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, consumers may be able to reduce exposure to bisphenol A by choosing glass containers over plastic. Also, you should avoid placing hot liquids in plastic bottles or washing them in the dishwasher, as the temperature appears to affect the release of bisphenol A.
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