A Chemical Called Bisphenol A
Kristina Johnson
SCI-101 Introduction to the Sciences
November 30, 2014
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA, is a carbon based synthetic compound belonging to the group of diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols. The chemical formula for BPA is (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2. BPA was first synthesized in 1891, and was recognized as a synthetic estrogen in the 1930s. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of BPA in 1960 to manufacture certain plastics and epoxy resins. This chemical compound of synthetic estrogen is used to harden plastics and resins, while keeping them lightweight. BPA is found in a majority of everyday products, such as food storage containers, water and baby bottles, food can linings, product packaging, adhesives, dental sealants, and much more. “It is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide…” (TEDX, 2014). Possible health concerns associated with BPA has caused further studies and research. There have been many reports that contradict each other. There may need to be additional testing before a decision regarding the regulation of products containing BPA and other synthetic estrogens should be addressed. According to TEDX, the EPA states that, “humans appear to be exposed primarily through food packaging. … 93% of all U.S. residents have measurable amounts of BPA in their bodies.” (TEDX, 2014).
SCI-101 Introduction to the Sciences
November 30, 2014
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA, is a carbon based synthetic compound belonging to the group of diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols. The chemical formula for BPA is (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2. BPA was first synthesized in 1891, and was recognized as a synthetic estrogen in the 1930s. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of BPA in 1960 to manufacture certain plastics and epoxy resins. This chemical compound of synthetic estrogen is used to harden plastics and resins, while keeping them lightweight. BPA is found in a majority of everyday products, such as food storage containers, water and baby bottles, food can linings, product packaging, adhesives, dental sealants, and much more. “It is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide…” (TEDX, 2014). Possible health concerns associated with BPA has caused further studies and research. There have been many reports that contradict each other. There may need to be additional testing before a decision regarding the regulation of products containing BPA and other synthetic estrogens should be addressed. According to TEDX, the EPA states that, “humans appear to be exposed primarily through food packaging. … 93% of all U.S. residents have measurable amounts of BPA in their bodies.” (TEDX, 2014).
References: Davis, J. (2012, November 27). Texas Lawmaker Proposes BPA Ban For Children 's Products. Retrieved November 26, 2014, from Law 360: http://www.law360.com/articles/396681/texas-lawmaker-proposes-bpa-ban-for-children-s-products FDA. (2014). Consumer Updates, FDA Continues to Study BPA. Retrieved November 25, 2014, from FDA.gov: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm297954.htm TEDX. (2014). Prenatal Origins of Endocrine Disruption. Retrieved November 24, 2014, from The Edocrine Disruption Exchange: http://endocrinedisruption.org/prenatal-origins-of-endocrine-disruption/prenatal-origins-of-cancer/overview