Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical commonly used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.[1] It appears in numerous everyday products, including plastic bottles, food can linings, thermal receipts, and various food storage containers.[2] Multiple lines of scientific evidence suggest cause for concern:
- Laboratory studies: Research demonstrates that BPA can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and alter normal mammary gland development in animal models.[3][4]
- Tumor susceptibility: Animal studies have shown that BPA exposure, particularly during critical developmental periods, can increase susceptibility to mammary tumors later in life.[5]
- Epidemiological associations: Human population studies have found correlations between BPA exposure levels and increased breast cancer risk.[6]
BPA functions as an endocrine-disrupting chemical with estrogenic properties. It can mimic estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors, potentially influencing the development and progression of hormone-sensitive breast cancers.[7][8]
Common exposure routes include:
- Canned foods: Epoxy resin linings in cans can leach BPA into food, with higher levels found in acidic foods like tomatoes.[9]
- Plastic containers: BPA can migrate from polycarbonate bottles and food storage containers into contents, especially when heated.[10]
- Thermal receipts: Cash register and ATM receipts coated with BPA-containing thermal paper represent a significant source of skin exposure.[11]
How can I reduce my BPA exposure?
Consider these practical strategies:
- Use glass or stainless steel containers for food and beverages instead of plastic
- Avoid heating plastic containers or putting them in the dishwasher
- Choose fresh or frozen foods over canned options when possible
- Minimize handling of thermal receipts, or wash hands after contact
- Look for products labeled “BPA-free”
Important note: Be aware that some BPA alternatives, such as BPS (bisphenol S) and BPF (bisphenol F), may have similar endocrine-disrupting properties.[12]
Bibliography
[1] Vandenberg, Laura N., Russ Hauser, Michele Marcus, Nicolas Olea, and Wade V. Welshons. “Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA).” Reproductive Toxicology 24, no. 2 (2007): 139-177.
[2] Geens, Tinne, Daniela Aerts, Celine Berthot, Jean-Philippe Bourguignon, Luc Goeyens, Patrick Lecomte, Greet Maghuin-Rogister, Anne-Marie Pironnet, Lieven Pussemier, and Maria Luisa Scippo. “A review of dietary and non-dietary exposure to bisphenol-A.” Food and Chemical Toxicology 50, no. 10 (2012): 3725-3740.
[3] Soto, Ana M., Honorato Justicia, Jonathan W. Wray, and Carlos Sonnenschein. “p-Nonyl-phenol: an estrogenic xenobiotic released from ‘modified’ polystyrene.” Environmental Health Perspectives 92 (1991): 167-173.
[4] Durando, Manuela, Luisa Kass, Jorge Piva, Carla Sonnenschein, Ana M. Soto, Enrique H. Luque, and Monica Muñoz-de-Toro. “Prenatal bisphenol A exposure induces preneoplastic lesions in the mammary gland in Wistar rats.” Environmental Health Perspectives 115, no. 1 (2007): 80-86.
[5] Murray, Thomas J., Rafael Maffini, Andrew A. Ucci, Carlos Sonnenschein, and Ana M. Soto. “Induction of mammary gland ductal hyperplasias and carcinoma in situ following fetal bisphenol A exposure.” Reproductive Toxicology 23, no. 3 (2007): 383-390.
[6] Yang, Min, Myoung-Hee Ryu, Sung Koo Kang, and Jungsil Lee. “Relationship between urinary bisphenol A and sex hormone concentrations in adult men and women: Korea National Environmental Health Survey 2009-2012.” Environmental Research 155 (2017): 244-251.
[7] Welshons, Wade V., Susan C. Nagel, and Frederick S. vom Saal. “Large effects from small exposures. III. Endocrine mechanisms mediating effects of bisphenol A at levels of human exposure.” Endocrinology 147, no. 6 (2006): s56-s69.
[8] Seachrist, Denise D., Kimberly W. Bonk, Sung-Mi Ho, Gerald S. Prins, Ana M. Soto, and Richard A. Keri. “A review of the carcinogenic potential of bisphenol A.” Reproductive Toxicology 59 (2016): 167-182.
[9] Cao, Xiao-Lin, Jean Corriveau, and Svetlana Popovic. “Levels of bisphenol A in canned soft drink products in Canadian markets.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 57, no. 4 (2009): 1307-1311.
[10] Le, Hoang H., Emily M. Carlson, Jason P. Chua, and Scott M. Belcher. “Bisphenol A is released from polycarbonate drinking bottles and mimics the neurotoxic actions of estrogen in developing cerebellar neurons.” Toxicology Letters 176, no. 2 (2008): 149-156.
[11] Biedermann, Sandra, Patrizia Tschudin, and Koni Grob. “Transfer of bisphenol A from thermal printer paper to the skin.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 398, no. 1 (2010): 571-576.
[12] Rochester, Johanna R., and Ashley L. Bolden. “Bisphenol S and F: a systematic review and comparison of the hormonal activity of bisphenol A substitutes.” Environmental Health Perspectives 123, no. 7 (2015): 643-650.
