Bisphenol A (BPA): What are the side effects?

What is Bisphenol A (BPA)?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound discovered in 1891 by Russian chemist Aleksandr Dianin.

It is regularly used in the production of plastics, such as infant feeding (baby) bottles, returnable beverage bottles, tableware (mugs and plates), and storage containers.

It is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic solvents, but poorly soluble in water. BPA has been in commercial use since 1957.

Bisphenol A and human exposure

The major human exposure route to BPA is diet, including the ingestion of contaminated water and food.

It is leached from the lining of food and beverage cans, where it is used as an element in the plastic used to protect the food from direct contact with the can.

It is particularly likely to leach from plastics when they are cleaned with harsh detergents or when they contain acidic or high-temperature liquids.

Exposure to it has been linked to several problematic symptoms – diabetes and prostate diseases to name a few.

In addition, Harvard researchers studied women undergoing fertility treatments and found a connection between high levels of BPA exposure and lower conception rates.

Despite this being the case, BPA can still be found in an abundance of plastic food storage bags, water bottles, canned foods, and much more.

At least 8 billion pounds (3.6 million tonnes) of BPA are used by manufacturers yearly.

ALSO READ: Phosphoric Acid (E338) Side Effects

What about other BPA-free plastics?

According to a new study by scientists in the United States, a BPA alternative called Bisphenol S (or BPS) is in some ways just as harmful as BPA to zebra-fish, affecting embryonic development and disrupting their reproductive system.

The findings might mean it’s also potentially toxic to humans too, although there is no evidence of this yet.

„Our research shows that making plastic products with BPA alternatives does not necessarily leave them safer,” said Nancy Wayne, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

„Exposure to low levels of BPA had a significant impact on the embryos’ development of brain cells that control the reproduction and the genes that control reproduction later in life,” states Nancy Wayne. „We saw many of these same effects with BPS found in BPA-free products. Bisphenol S is not harmless.”

With the public becoming more and more aware of its side effects, some organizations have taken the step or have at least flirted with the idea of removing BPA from their production processes. Until that transition fully kicks in, there are 2 things that you can do:

1.Spread awareness about BPA.

2. Look out for and make the choice to purchase BPA-Free products. One of the best ways to get rid of plastic is to choose products made from glass, that are cleaner to manufacture and easier to dispose of.