Bisphenols and BPA in the industry

Plastic Industry & Health

Bisphenols are synthetic substances that first came into the focus of the industry in the middle of the last century. Their most prominent representative is BPA (bisphenol A), a key raw material for two plastics: epoxy resin and polycarbonate. BPA is well known to be an endocrine disruptor [1, 2], meaning it negatively affects the human hormonal system. These effects can be observed even at very low doses.

But why is this a problem? Just because a substance is an endocrine disruptor does not automatically mean we come into contact with it. In fact, in the European Union, the use of BPA is prohibited in the manufacture of food contact materials, and even when using other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives, BPA impurities must not remain in the final product.

However, it is important to note that the aforementioned epoxy resin and polycarbonate were previously widely used to coat the inside of metal beverage cans and to manufacture food storage containers. As these are classified as food contact materials, this has caused significant issues in the past, leading to BPA frequently entering the human body. Given that this can cause adverse hormonal effects—and, of course, regulatory action—I strongly advise industry stakeholders to comply strictly with the relevant EU legislation, and consumers to purchase food contact containers only from reputable sources.

Source:

1. https://lnkd.in/dQkzn99f
2. https://lnkd.in/dD3N67Tz"