February 24, 2020
Posted by: admin
Category: Blogs

Bisphenol A – An old chemical with new restrictions

Due to the projected growth in the size of the market and the increasing demand for regulation of BPAs, Hazox has put together a series of articles that look at the chemical’s history, how and where it is used, information on the safe handling and use of the chemical as well as regulatory requirements around the world.

Over the next 10 days we will discuss the following:

Day 1: Introduction to Bisphenol A

Day 2: The history of BPA

Day 3: The BPA market and its uses

Day 4: The health effects of BPA

Day 5: International regulations affecting BPA

Day 6: Safe Storage, handling and disposal including chemical incompatibilities.

Day 7: Occupational exposure to BPA. First-aid measures and recommended personal protective

equipment for use when working with BPA

Day 8: Fire precautions to consider when using BPA

Day 9: Spillages and the environmental

Day 10: Alternatives to BPA

The market for Bisphenol A (BPA) is expected to have an annual growth rate (CAGR) through to 2024, due to the increasing demand for polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins in paints, coatings, adhesives, electronics and packaging. (https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/bisphenol-a-bpa-market-size-share-2019-industry-analysis-by-future-demand-top-players-opportunities-revenue-and-growth-rate-through-2024—market-reports-world-2019-05-28).

BPA has always been regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as more uses for BPA are coming to light, more regulatory bodies are reviewing the chemical for related hazards.

What is BPA?

BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to manufacture certain plastics and resins since the 1960s.BPA is a precursor to important plastics, primarily certain polycarbonates and epoxy resins, as well as some polysulfones and certain niche materials. BPA-based plastic is clear and tough, and is made into a variety of common consumer goods, such as plastic bottles including water bottles, food storage containers, baby bottles, sports equipment, CDs, and DVDs.

Epoxy resins derived from BPA are used to line water pipes, as coatings on the inside of many food and beverage cans and in making thermal paper such as that used in sales receipts. In cans, BPA-based liners form a barrier between the food and the can surface that prevents corrosion of the can and migration of metal into the food, but people are exposed to low levels of BPA because very small amounts may migrate from the food packaging into foods or beverages.

In 2015, an estimated 4 million tons of BPA-derived chemical were produced, making it one of the highest volume of chemicals produced worldwide.

What is the risk associated with the use of BPA?

BPA has been suspected of being harmful to humans since the 1930s. After several governments issued reports questioning its safety, many media outlets highlighted the risks of using bisphenol A in consumer products, resulting in some retail chains withdrawing products containing this compound. A 2010 report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised awareness about exposure to fetuses, infants and young children.

Exposure to BPA is of concern because of the potential effects of BPA on the brain and prostate health of fetuses, infants, and children. It can also affect children’s behavior. Further research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure.

Hazox have put together a series of articles that look at BPA. In future issues we will explain in depth the health effects of this chemical and how you can protect yourself in the workplace. We will be looking at the safe handling, storage, health and safety precautions, PPE as well as protecting the environment from the material. We will also review alternatives to BPA and the health effects of those.

Tomorrows article will look at the history of Bisphenol A, starting back in 1891 when it was developed, through to the present day.