Bisphenol A

CAS number 80-05-7

Description

Bisphenol A is a colourless solid that is used in the synthesis of commercial plastics, including polycarbonates and epoxy resins, which are incorporated into a wide variety of consumer goods.

Uses

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used in very high volumes in the EU, with more than one million tonnes manufactured in or imported to the EU per year according to registrations under the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (ECHA, 2023a).

BPA is mainly used in the industrial manufacturing of polymers such as polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and trace levels of BPA remain in the final materials. These materials are used across a range of consumer products, including food packaging. For example, polycarbonates are used in reusable plastic bottles, feeding bottles and storage containers. Epoxy resins are used to coat food and beverage cans, as well as to coat the inside of pipes used to deliver drinking water.

In addition, BPA is used in a wide range of other products. These include thermal paper, inks, textiles, paints and adhesives, electronic equipment, building materials such as flooring, toys, CDs, car body coatings, medical devices and dental sealants.

The main way that humans are exposed to BPS is through diet where the food comes into contact with small elements of the BPA within food containers or other containers made with polycarbonate plastic.

BPA has also been found in drinking water (through resin in water pipes) and also from medical devices/sealants. Children may also experience exposure by touching items made with BPA and then putting their hands in their mouths or by putting their mouths on the item.

A 2009 study of 77 Harvard College students found 1 week of drinking water from polycarbonate bottles increased the levels of BPA by two-thirds. This suggests that regular water consumption from such bottles significantly increases a person’s exposure to BPA.

BPA is a constituent in some baby feeding bottles, so breastfeeding an infant is likely to reduce levels of BPA exposure.

Indoor air exposure is usually through plastic products containing BPS emitting into the home or office environment, plus build-up of contaminated dust.

Why it can be problematic for human and animal health

Exposure to Bisphenol A is usually through ingestion but can be by inhalation or dermal contact.

It should be noted that the levels of BPA from the sources above in consumer household products are largely seen to be too low to cause concern at present. However, research is ongoing in this area as it is clear that BPA has significant impacts on human health and is in wide use; e.g. it disrupts the endocrinal system, even at low levels.

Bisphenol A is shown in scientific literature as being associated with the following chronic health impacts:

Can damage fertility and normal endocrine function - It can affect reproductive function, mammary gland development, cognitive function and metabolism; also may impact erectile function and sexual motivation
Damage to eyes
Allergic skin reactions
Respiratory conditions – can cause asthma
Cardiovascular effects – increased blood pressure, heart disease, possible diabetes and obesity
Immunity effects

Please note any adverse health effects that you may encounter in exposure to a chemical depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.