What is BPA?
BPA (short for bisphenol A) was created to make plastics in the 19th century. However, BPA has been regarded as the root of many health problems and environmental pollution. This blog aims to provide a complete picture of Bisphenol and everything you need to know.
What Is BPA and why should you know about it?
BPA (Bisphenol A) is the most commonly known synthetic organic compound among different chemicals. The most common filling material comprises polycarbonate and epoxy resins. The product was manufactured at the end of the 1960s and in the present age, it is an indispensable part of almost every sector from food packaging to electronics. Thus, BPA is widely used for making everything: water bottles, food containers, pacifiers and even dental medicine.
Recently, traces of BPA have been found in almost everyone’s body after BPA was tested in the blood and urine samples of many people. BPA is found globally, whether it is in mid-continents or even in the Antarctic.
Which products may contain BPA?
BPA is found in common products such as canned foods, plastic containers, dental fillings, plastic water bottles, thermal paper receipts, eyeglasses, or even some sunglasses. You can note the presence of BPA with recycling codes 3 or 7. The products marked with recycling codes 3 or 7 indicate the presence of potential BPA compounds. Due to its adverse effects, being aware of BPA products is important.
What are the uses of BPA?
BPA is known for its strength, durability, and heat resistance. Its capability to produce clear, shatter-resistant plastics made BPA a go-to choice. It is commonly used to create durable plastics which are to be used for various applications. BPA compounds are mainly used in food packaging, medical devices, and electronics. Food packaging industries prefer BPA for product safety and increase shelf-life.
Why are some people concerned about BPA?
Though it has numerous advantages, bisphenol A has recently raised potential health concerns. It is disclosed scientifically that BPA is an “endocrine disruptor” chemical. BPA interferes with the natural hormonal system of our bodies. Hence, the endocrine system displays its defects and malfunctions. It can lead to several health issues, specifically in the reproductive mechanism, immune response, and neuroendocrine functions. The migration of BPA compounds from food products to the human body is also a growing concern.
Global Production and Applications
The global production of BPA has increased over the years due to its extensive applications in various industries. The demand for durable BPA plastics is rising in the Asia Pacific, the USA, and Western European countries. Polymer materials such as polycarbonates, and epoxy resins rely heavily on BPA. The continuous global production has raised concerns about environmental contamination, adverse effects on human health and threats to wildlife.
Potential health effects of BPA exposure
Recent research has linked BPA compounds to various health issues. It includes reproduction failure, thyroid and other hormonal changes, diabetes associated with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and also cancer. Its estrogenic property can cause infertility and mental trauma in females. The effects are higher in vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, infants, and children. It's important to understand the potential risks for better health.
Studies have shown some common health concerns. They are
- Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC): BPA components mimic oestrogen and other endocrine glands, which leads to infertility and hormonal imbalance.
- Immunosuppression: Continuous accumulation of BPA in the body weakens the immune system and makes the individual susceptible to diseases.
- Neurological Effects: Studies suggest that BPA exposure may affect brain development in children.
- Carcinogenicity: Some evidence suggests that BPA may cause certain cases. However, further research is required to support the evidence.
Studies confirm the increased risks of BPA exposure in infants and children than in adults. Further research is required to understand its impact.
How do bisphenol A particles migrate into the food system?
BPA can leach into food and beverages when food packages made of bisphenol A are exposed to higher temperatures, prolonged storage or increased acidity. This migration process raises concerns about human exposure and potential health risks associated with BPA ingestion.
Once BPA enters the body, it undergoes several metabolic processes and is finally excreted through urine in most cases. The bisphenol A half-life is around 2 hours, meaning it's relatively short. It indicates the quick processing of BPA by the body. However, certain enzymes can activate BPA, leading to its effects on various organs and tissues.
Total BPA concentration in urine serves as a biomarker of exposure. This includes free BPA and its conjugated forms (BPA binds with biological molecules forming single and double carbon bonds). Unlike conjugated BPA which are typically inactive, free BPAs interact with oestrogen receptors, leading to biological issues. It triggers cellular responses.
Researchers have found BPA in human tissues. It was found in adipose tissue, the brain and the liver cells, and breast milk. This confirms the potential accumulation in the body and widespread health concerns.
How to minimise your exposure
Individual efforts must be taken to minimise the exposure of BPA. You can take several steps as follows
- Use BPA-free products: It is always a good idea to choose items with BPA-free tags, especially related to food and drinks.
- Choose glass or stainless steel: On the contrary, you may use glass or stainless-steel containers, especially for storing liquid items or foods that may cook.
- Avoid microwaving plastic: You should not microwave food wrapped in a thin plastic film because BPA from the container could be leached into foods.
- Check product labels: Spare some time now and pay attention to read through product labels carefully in search-out BPA contained items and for possible alternatives, please feel free to choose.
Following these practices can protect you from potential health risks caused by bisphenol A.
What does BPA Free Mean?
Manufactured products labelled as “BPA-free” are produced without using any BPA compound during the production phase. However, consumers should check for alternative chemicals on the labels. Similarly, chemicals other than BPA, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) can also act as alternatives to bisphenol A. Here possibly, additional research will be needed to verify the safety of these substances.
Is Tritan BPA-Free?
Yes, Tritan is a BPA-free plastic and one of the best alternatives for BPA. Unlike BPA, it does not leach from plastics. It's also free of bisphenol S (BPS) and other bisphenol compounds. It is widely used mainly in the food packaging industries. The Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. and the European Food Safety Authority have certified Tritan for food contact safety.
Are BPA alternatives safe?
There's an ongoing debate about the safety of BPS and BPF. Studies have shown that these compounds have less toxicity than that of BPA. However, their potential health risks and environmental effects need thorough research. It's essential to choose products carefully and stay informed about possible risks.
Regulations and Restrictions:
Many countries started implementing restrictions and regulations on BPA use, due to its increasing concern for human and wildlife health. BPA is banned in some European Union States. It has banned the use of BPA-containing food packages and containers for children up to 3 years of age such as infant feeding bottles. Similar restrictions are imposed on BPA by the US. Baby products that are made with BPA were prohibited for sale in the US by the FDA of Food and Drug Administration. The infant items such as baby bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, and so forth. These restrictions aim to reduce the exposure of BPA among vulnerable populations.
Is BPA banned in the UK?
Though BPA is not entirely banned in the UK, several restrictions have been imposed on BPA. The restrictions aim to reduce exposure to BPA among infants and children. The UK government is taking several steps to address the adverse health effects of BPA. In addition to that, the UK has listed bisphenol in thermal paper for review during 2022-2023. The regulatory bodies and manufacturing industries are informed to continue monitoring and reviewing the safety of bisphenol A and its status of using alternatives.
Future Outlook
As research progresses, the need for effective management of chemicals like BPA becomes increasingly evident. Calls for comprehensive regulations and safer alternatives are growing louder.
Conclusion
BPA is a chemical compound present in every product we use. However, they also have potential health concerns. Ongoing studies confirm the threat caused by bisphenol A on humans, wildlife and the environment. It is essential to reduce BPA usage and utilise better alternatives in daily products. We need a group-based approach to free ourselves and the environment from the threat of bisphenol A. Together, let us create a BPA-free world.
