New: Chemical Reporting
About BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) mimics estrogen and acts as an endocrine disruptor at very low doses. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the hormone mechanisms of the body. While previous high-dose studies of BPA indicated minimal risk, more recent research into the low-dose effects of BPA on the body's hormone systems has raised concern among researches and Federal agencies. Source: Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Basis Statement for Bisphenol-A.
"There is no controversy that BPA is an endocrine disruptor, acting by inhibiting the effects of estrogen, a vital reproductive and developmental hormone. ... The current consensus of most scientists, as well as U.S. and international government agencies, is that there is sufficient evidence that BPA produces adverse effects at environmentally relevant exposures. Well over 100 studies have documented adverse effects on growth, brain development, behavior, early onset of puberty, changes in sex hormones, male fertility, and immune function as a result of exposure to environmentally relevant doses during the prenatal or postnatal period in animal models." Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Known Concerns with BPA |
Harm to reproduction, harm to brain and behavioral changes, pervasive human and environmental exposure |
Higher Risk Populations |
Developing fetuses, infants, and children |
Major Uses |
Polycarbonate plastic, epoxy resins, thermal paper, flame retardant |
Consumer Product Uses |
Canned foods, baby food (and other foods with glass jar lids), cash receipts, toys, printed circuit boards |
Major U.S. Manufacturers |
Bayer MaterialScience, SABIC Innovative Plastics, The Dow Chemical Company, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, and Sunoco Chemicals |
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