Bisphenol A (BPA): Uses, Impacts, Effects, Preventive Exposures-UPSC Notes

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastic makes hard plastic items, such as baby bottles, reusable water bottles, food containers, pitchers, tableware, and other storage containers. 

This topic Bisphenol A UPSC is related to the General Studies Paper I and General Studies paper III, which covers Science and Technology related to Human Health (GS Paper I) and  Science and Technology and Environment (GS Paper III). Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation. 

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What Is Bisphenol A?

Bisphenol A is a synthetically obtained colorless, crystalline organic compound that occurs in the solid phase belonging to the diphenylmethane group. It is soluble in organic solvents but poorly dissolves in water. Bisphenol A is also used as eyewear glasses. It is a chemical widely used to soften plastics, paints, and other products. It is known to impair reproduction and development in aquatic organisms. Bisphenol A exposure delays larval development and pupation time in common fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster).

Scientists and government agencies have differing opinions about whether the levels of BPA found in contents from polycarbonate containers or epoxy-lined cans may harm human health. Scientists have recently looked for associations between BPA exposure and health effects in the general population. Some studies have reported associations between elevated BPA exposure and health effects such as diabetes or heart disease, while other studies have not. 

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Bisphenol A - Uses

BPA is 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. 

After curing, small amounts of BPA may remain in polycarbonate products and epoxy linings and be released into food and beverages. Canned foods and liquids stored or heated in polycarbonate containers and epoxy-lined cans appear to be the primary BPA exposure source. 

• Bisphenol A (BPA) polycarbonate plastics are very sturdy and are used to make significant variants of microwave-proof utensils. 
• It is used as a material for safety glasses, bulletproof windows, and helmets.
• Bisphenol A is a component in epoxy resins, which are excellent coating agents. Therefore, it is used for the protective coating of pipelines and to cover the inner surface of food cans.
• It is used in many medical devices, such as heart-lung machines, incubators, artificial kidneys, dental fillers, and sealants.
• It is also used as an eyewear glass due to its optical clarity.

Environmental Impacts Of Bisphenol A (BPA)

• Bisphenol A (BPA) can enter the environment directly by leaching chemicals or degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) materials. It may render the land unfertile and barren, making it unsuitable for agriculture.
• It affects the growth and reproduction of marine life.
• It causes endocrine effects in fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Adverse Effects Of Bisphenol A (BPA) On Human Health

• When ingested, the chemical disrupts the endocrine system by interfering with the hormones and affecting the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children.
• It can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adults.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen that mimics estrogen in the body, thus exhibiting hormone-like properties.
• It can indirectly aid in the spread of vector-borne diseases in humans and animals.

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How does Bisphenol A (BPA) get into the body?

The diet is the primary source of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) for most people. While air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and beverages accounts for most of daily human exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA) can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned foods and consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage containers, water bottles, and baby bottles. The degree to which Bisphenol A (BPA) leaches from polycarbonate bottles into liquid may depend more on the temperature of the liquid or bottle than the age of the container. Bisphenol A (BPA) can also be found in breast milk.

Why are people concerned about Bisphenol A (BPA)?

People may be concerned about Bisphenol A (BPA) because human exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) is widespread. 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 people six years and older. The CDC NHANES data are considered representative of exposures in the United States. Another reason for concern, especially for parents, is because some animal studies report effects in fetuses and newborns exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA).

Preventive Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA)

Some animal studies suggest that infants and children may be the most vulnerable to Bisphenol A (BPA) effects. Parents and caregivers can make the personal choice to reduce exposure of their infants and children to Bisphenol A (BPA):

• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Polycarbonate is strong and durable, but it may break down from overuse at high temperatures over time.
• Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycling codes 3 or 7 may be made with Bisphenol A (BPA).
• Reduce your use of canned foods.
• Opt for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, particularly hot food or liquids.
• Use baby bottles that are Bisphenol A (BPA) free.

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NIEHS Research Efforts

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) conducts extensive research on Bisphenol A (BPA) to understand its effects on human health. NIEHS studies focus on how BPA exposure, especially during pregnancy and early development, may impact the brain, behavior, and prostate gland.

• CLARITY-BPA Program - The Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on Bisphenol A (BPA) Toxicity (CLARITY-BPA) program was developed to study the full range of potential health effects from exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) .
• Researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted the core guideline-compliant studies, and 14 university-based researchers conducted separate studies supported by grants from NIEHS.
• Their findings were released in a 2021 report: Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on Bisphenol A (BPA) Toxicity (CLARITY-BPA): A Compendium of Published Findings.
• A subsequent paper published in the journal Birth Defects Research reviews the CLARITY-BPA research program to identify techniques, tools, and endpoints that may further refine the sensitivity of toxicity testing of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) Initiatives - The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have developed an integrated, multipronged, consortium-based approach to optimize BPA-focused research investments to effectively address data gaps and inform decision-making.

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