Table of Contents
What is BPA and why is it bad?
BPA is known to disrupt the endocrine system in the body. It mimics the effects of estrogen and disrupts normal hormone function. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently maintains the BPA levels found in foods and packaging are “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS).
When did BPA become a concern?
In the 1950’s BPA began to appear in plastic consumer products throughout the world. For over 60 years, BPA has been used in the manufacturing of plastic without any law or regulation establishing its safety.
Why is there a growing concern over phthalates and BPA?
It is believed that both BPA and phthalates can leach from plastic into food, liquid, and directly into the mouths of children while sucking on pacifiers or teethers. Growing scientific evidence suggests BPA and phthalates may be associated with a variety of health issues, including hormonal and developmental problems.
What is the danger of BPA gets into the body?
Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children’s behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why is BPA bad for the environment?
BPA can have an impact on wildlife, particularly on aquatic life in both freshwater and saltwater areas, which become reservoirs for contaminants. BPA has been known to mimic hormones and disrupt endocrine systems, including the kidney, liver, and gallbladder.
Why was BPA used?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic. BPA is also used to make epoxy resins. Epoxy resin linings coat the inside of metal products such as food cans, bottle tops and water supply pipes. The purpose of epoxy linings is to keep the can material from corroding or reacting with the food.
Who discovered that BPA is bad?
In terms of the endocrine disruption controversy, the British biochemist Edward Charles Dodds tested BPA as an artificial estrogen in the early 1930s. He found BPA to be 1 / 37,000 as effective as estradiol.
How does BPA leach out of plastic?
BPA can leach from the plastic container or food can liner into foods and beverages. This seems to happen to a greater degree when the liquid is heated or the container is scratched and rough. BPA is absorbed readily when ingested, but the liver quickly metabolizes the chemical.
How does BPA affect the brain?
1). Perinatal or neonatal BPA exposure alters brain sexual differentiation 74, 75. BPA can induce aggression, anxiety, cognitive deficits, and learning-memory impairment 76-80. BPA can also influence the display of juvenile social behaviors in mice 81, 82.