Bisphenol A, or BPA

Bisphenol A, often known as BPA was shown to have estrogenic activity, linking BPA to endocrine diseases and to an increased incidence of endocrine-related cancers. BPA therefore belongs to a group of chemicals termed “hormone disruptors” or “endocrine disruptors”, that are able to disrupt the chemical messenger system in the body.

It is a man-made molecule and was invented in 1891. It is a relatively small synthetic, organic compound with a molecular weight of 228.

At least 8 billion pounds of BPA are used by manufacturers yearly. It is a key monomer in production of epoxy resins and in the most common form of polycarbonate plastic. Materials synthesized with BPA were widely used in packing materials for food and beverages, and BPA can be released into food from such containers.

Though animal studies on the dangers of BPA have mixed results, experts believe that BPA can mimic a particular hormone in the body and disrupt the normal hormonal levels and development in the foetus, babies and children.
Bisphenol A, or BPA