Bisphenol A (BPA) is a controversial chemical, there’s no two ways about it. It’s controversial because it has the potential to be toxic, yet despite this risk it’s still present in many household items making it tough to avoid exposure in daily life.
BPA is a common chemical, also known as 4,4’-dihydroxy-2,2-diphenylpropane, and it’s found in plastics (such as plastic bottles) and resins. The problem with BPA is that it has the potential to leach into the food or drink contained by the plastics, this could lead to health issues. Research is not clear on what health issues BPA may cause, but it is thought that it may potentially interfere with hormones (sex hormones) and consequently may increase the risk of some hormone related Cancers. It should be noted that this is little more than speculation at the moment, but valid enough to warrant further investigation.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently reviewing BPA is looking into current research and policies to ensure that BPA guidance is up to date and evidence based. Canada have banned the use of BPA in baby feeding bottles prompting Europe to review the study that led to the ban in Canada.
Reference
NHS Choices, Your Health, Your Choices. Questions raised over BPA plastic. Retrieved 8th April, 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/03March/Pages/BPA-plastic-health-warnings.aspx
