Bisphenol A and how it affects out health

February 27, 2020
Posted by: admin
Category: Blogs

The controversy associated with BPA has a long history, with evidence of estrogen-like effects being identified since 1930, but it was not until 1997 that its adverse effects were proven at low doses (You can read the history of BPA at https://www.hazoxinc.com/bisphenol-a-almost-130-years-old-and-still-very-much-in-demand/). Since then, numerous studies have been carried out resulting in its prohibition in some countries in the Americas and Europe. But really, what are the proven damages that BPA has on health?

According to the findings of a literature review conducted in 1997 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2967230/), concentrations of BPA found in the human body are associated with functional changes in the prostate, breast, testicles, mammary glands, body size, brain structure and chemistry and behavior in laboratory animals.

Another important effect is related to neurological effects and behavioral changes due to prenatal and child exposure. Exposure to BPA in utero and during childhood is associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and aggression in children. (https://www.nature.com/articles/jes20168)

Virtually from the first years of its synthesis, BPA was found to have endocrine disrupting behavior. Thyroid function is one of those affected by exposure to this chemical and it especially affects pregnant women, newborns and young children. (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/thy.2007.0107).

Also, it has been proven in rodent studies that BPA exposure is associated with increases in leukemia and testicular interstitial cell tumors in male rats. Similarly, several studies show that prostate cancer formation in men is directly proportional to exposure to BPA (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0090332). Similarly, an increased susceptibility to breast cancer has been found in studies of rodents and primates exposed to BPA. Other associated endocrine disorders include infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and precocious puberty (https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/30/4/293/2355049).

Fertility is also affected by exposure to BPA. Tests conducted in 2018 show a possible correlation between exposure to BPA and lower sperm quality, reduced sperm motility and increased immaturity of sperm. Similarly, a study in 2009 linked higher urinary BPA concentration in women undergoing egg retrieval in IVF to fewer recovered oocytes. (https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1365-2605.2009.01014.x)

Contaminants in BPA that pass through amniotic fluid can alter steroidogenesis in fetal development. This will result in failure of the oocytes to mature as well as in fertility.

A little-known negative effect is the increase in asthma in individuals exposed to BPA. Studies in rodents in 2010 link BPA exposure and asthma due to increased allergic sensitization and bronchial inflammation. Another study but conducted with children in 2013 reported that children with higher BPA levels at ages 3, 5 and 7 were more likely to develop asthma when they were between 5 and 12 years old. (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-study-links-bpa-and-childhood-asthma/)The children in this study had about the same concentration of BPA exposure as the average child in the United States. More studies have yet to be done to confirm the relationship, but it is the consumer’s right to be informed about the possible risks to which he is exposed in his work environment or home.

Tomorrow, we will look at the regulations affecting BPA around the world

On Monday 24^th, we will be looking at storing, handling and disposing of BPA safely.

On Tuesday 25^th, we will look at occupational exposure data for BPA, first aid measures when exposed to BPA and suitable personal protective equipment when using BPA.

On Wednesday 26^th, we will look at fire precautions when using BPA

On Thursday 27^th, we will look at the effects of BPA in the environment

In the last of this series, on Friday 28^th , we will look at alternatives to BPA.

If you have missed the first article in the series, where we introduced you to the chemical BPA, you can catch up here (https://www.hazoxinc.com/bisphenol-a-an-old-chemical-with-new-restrictions/).