BPA (Bisphenol A)*

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a colorless, solid organic compound that is widely used in the production of many common household items. It is frequently found in various plastic products such as water bottles, food storage containers, receipt paper, certain medical devices, baby bottles, and components of water supply systems. Because of its widespread use, regular exposure can occur through everyday activities.

Heat can increase the release of BPA from plastic materials. For example, warming food or beverages in plastic containers—such as microwaving food in plastic bowls or heating drinks in plastic cups—may increase the amount of BPA that migrates into food or liquids. As a result, these practices can contribute to higher exposure levels.

BPA exposure is common across many populations. Research indicates that most individuals over the age of six have detectable levels of BPA in their urine. In addition, studies have found that a high percentage of very young children are also exposed. One study reported that approximately 85% of Korean children under the age of two had measurable BPA levels in their urine, highlighting early-life exposure.

In adults, BPA is typically processed and eliminated by the liver through detoxification pathways. However, in infants and young children, these metabolic pathways are not yet fully developed, which may limit their ability to clear BPA from the body as efficiently as adults.

Scientific studies have examined potential associations between BPA exposure and various health-related outcomes. One reason for this interest is that BPA has a chemical structure similar to the hormone estrogen. Because of this similarity, BPA can interact with estrogen receptors in the body, which are involved in processes such as growth, cellular repair, fetal development, energy regulation, and reproductive function. BPA has also been shown to interact with other hormone receptors, including those related to thyroid function, which may influence hormonal signaling.

For individuals planning a pregnancy, understanding environmental exposures such as BPA may be part of broader considerations related to diet and lifestyle choices aimed at supporting overall health.

References

1. PubMed. Heat-induced migration of BPA from plastics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29172986/

2. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Bisphenol A (BPA). https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa

3. PubMed. Urinary BPA levels in young children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32380592/

4. Beronius A, Rudén C, Håkansson H, Hanberg A. Risk to all or none? A comparative analysis of controversies in the health risk assessment of Bisphenol A. Reproductive Toxicology. 2010;29(2):132–146.

5. PubMed. Endocrine-disrupting properties of BPA. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27717745/

6. PubMed. BPA interactions with thyroid hormone receptors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31884733/

*Disclaimer: None of the information written on this blog is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information here on in are for health maintenance and for educational purposes only. Nothing in this information provided is intended to replace conventional medical approaches. Please consult with your current medical health care provider before deciding to change your diet and lifestyle.