Health Hazards of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that is widely incorporated in the manufacture of polycarbonated plastics and epoxy resins and lines metal food and beverage cans. The extensive use of BPA-containing products leads to a high global population exposure which starts early during the fetal life, postnatal life and extends throughout the life of the individual. High temperature, repeated washing of polycarbonate products and exposure to either acidic or basic conditions accelerate the hydrolysis of BPA-containing polymers leading to an increase in the rate of leaching of BPA. The detection of low levels of BPA in over 90% of human urine samples in the US and other countries raised concerns regarding BPA's potential health effects. Many agencies raised warnings against the excessive use of such substances. Several authorities in Canada, Australia and France banned the use of BPA from baby bottles and food containers for very young children. To toxicologists, this book provides an overview on the health hazards of BPA focusing on the adverse effects of BPA on vital organs of adult rats.