Bisphenols

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Purpose:

Bisphenols, specifically BPA, are used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins (1). If used in metal cans, BPA separates the food/drink from the metal so that the two don't react.  

Found in:

  • Food storage containers
  • Electronic equipment
  • Paints and coatings (especially the lining of thermal receipts) (1)


Linked to:

  • Counteracts adiponectin- adiponectin is a hormone that fights heart disease (2,3)
  • Serious weight gain, especially in children (4, 5, 6, 7)
  • Problems with male sex organs - includes lower sex drive, lower sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and difficulty with ejaculation (8,9)
  • Problems with female sex organs - Impairs growth of uterine lining, excess testosterone activity, harder for embryos to attach to uterine wall (10)
  • Aggression and hyperactivity - both exposure in utero and in childhood leads to a higher risk of aggression and hyperactivity in childhood (11)

How to avoid:

 See our take action section.   

Take Action

Display their FAQs

  • BPA was found in 95% of American adults (12)
  • BPA is a good example of why we must look out for "regrettable substitutions". This phenomenon refers to manufacturers using the chemical siblings of a banned chemical to achieve the same effect of the banned chemical. In the case of BPA, some manufacturers use other bisphenols, such as BPS or BPF, in place of BPA. Due to their nearly identical chemical structure, these other bisphenols cause many of the same problems as BPA. 
  • BPA is also a good example of why we must look for favorable substitutions. Certain companies are switching to a natural epoxy resin called oleoresin to line the containers of their products. Even though oleoresin is slightly more expensive to use (2.2 cents per can, to be exact), the benefits associated with removing BPA could easily outweigh the extra expenses (13).