4. What is Bisphenol A (BPA)
o
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Bisphenol A is an organic compound composed of two phenol
groups that is produced by condensing acetone with carbolic
acid. It is also known as 4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2-diphenylpropane.
5. What is Bisphenol A (BPA)
•
• Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical used primarily to
make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins – both of
which are used in countless applications that make our
lives easier each and every day.
6. •
•
•
Bisphenol A a group of chemicals for construction gives
strength to polycarbonate plastic material and make it:
cheap, lightweight, transparent and pure .
7. What are the fears of Bisphenol A (BPA)?
One reason people may be concerned
about BPA is because human exposure
to BPA is widespread.
8. •
-
• The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2517
urine samples from subjects six years and older.
9. •
• Another reason for concern, especially for parents, may
be because some animal studies report effects in fetuses
and newborns exposed to BPA.
10. What are the fears of Bisphenol A
(BPA)?
•
Suspected of being hazardous to
humans since the 1930s, concerns
about the use of bisphenol A in
products were regularly consumer
reported
11. Health effects
•
•
• Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, which can
mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to
negative health effects. Early development
appears to be the period of greatest sensitivity to
its effects.
• Regulatory bodies have determined safety
levels for humans, but those safety levels are
currently being questioned or under review as a
result of new scientific studies.
12. • In 2009 the Endocrine Society released
a scientific statement expressing
concern over current human exposure
to BPA.
14. Studies in 2007
• In 2007, a consensus statement by 38
experts on bisphenol A concluded that
average levels in people are above
those that cause harm to animals in
laboratory experiments.
15. • A panel convened by the U.S.
National Institutes of Health
determined that there was "some
concern" about BPA's effects on fetal
and infant brain development and
behavior.
16. Studies in 2008
A 2008 report by the U.S. National Toxicology Program
(NTP) later agreed with the panel, expressing "some
concern for effects on the brain, behavior, and
prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children at
current human exposures to bisphenol A," and
"minimal concern for effects on the mammary gland
and an earlier age for puberty for females in fetuses,
infants, and children at current human exposures to
bisphenol A.
17. • The NTP had negligible concern that
exposure of pregnant women to
bisphenol A will result in fetal or
neonatal mortality, birth defects, or
reduced birth weight and growth in
their offspring.
18. Neurological issues
NTP
• A panel convened by the U.S. National Institutes of
Health determined that there was "some concern" about
BPA's effects on fetal and infant brain development and
behavior.
19. Obesity
• A 2008 study has concluded that obesity may be
increased as a function of BPA exposure, which
"merits concern among scientists and public health
officials".
• A 2009 review of available studies has concluded that
"perinatal BPA exposure acts to exert persistent
effects on body weight and adiposity".
20. • Another 2009 study has concluded
that "Eliminating exposures to (BPA)
and improving nutrition during
development offer the potential for
reducing obesity and associated
diseases".
21. • Other studies have come with similar
conclusions.
• A later study on rats has suggested that
perinatal exposure to drinking water
containing 1 mg/L of BPA increased
adipogenesis in females at weaning.
22. Thyroid function
• A 2007 study has concluded that
bisphenol-A have been shown to bind to
thyroid hormone receptor and perhaps have
selective effects on its functions.
23. •
•
• A 2009 sudyt about environmental chemicals and thyroid
function, raised concerns about BPA effects on
triiodothyronine and concluded that "available evidence
suggests that governing agencies need to regulate the
use of thyroid-disrupting chemicals, particularly as such
uses relate exposures of pregnant women, neonates and
small children to the agents".
• A 2009 review summarized BPA adverse effects on
thyroid hormone action.
24. Cancer research
• According to the WHO's INFOSAN, "animal studies have
not provided convincing evidence of risk of cancer from
BPA exposure."
• Neither the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nor
the International Agency for Research on Cancer has
evaluated bisphenol A for possible carcinogenic activity.
25. Breast cancer
• A 2008 study has concluded that
"perinatal exposure to low doses of
BPA, alters breast development and
increases breast cancer risk".
26. • A 2009 in vitro study has concluded that BPA is able to
induce neoplastic transformation in human breast
epithelial cells.
• Another 2009 study concluded that maternal oral
exposure to low concentrations of BPA during lactation
increases mammary carcinogenesis in a rodent model.
28. • If I am concerned, what can I do to prevent exposure to
BPA?
• Parents and caregivers, can make the personal choice to reduce
exposures of their infants and children to BPA:
• Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers.
Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but over time it may break
down from over use at high temperatures
29. .
• Polycarbonate containers that contain BPA usually have a #7 on
the bottom
• Reduce your use of canned foods.
• When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel
containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
• Use baby bottles that are BPA free.
