現代の化学と応用

概要

Correlation between Bisphenol A Exposure and Adverse Health Effects

Michelle Kelley, Armand G Ngounou Wetie and Costel C Darie

Bisphenol A is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that make up many items that people use every day such as water bottles, toys and food packaging. There is much disagreement about how much BPA exposure is necessary to cause adverse health effects. In a study completed by the EPA, they found that people have not been exposed to levels high enough to have an effect on their health. A study by the CDC found BPA in 95% of the 394 of the adult urine samples tested, but impact human health is not yet clear. Many studies have found correlations between measurable amounts of BPA in the body and health effects including recurrent miscarriages, chromosomal abnormalities and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Exposure is particularly concerning in children, especially prenatal. This is because they have not yet developed UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, the primary BPA metabolizing enzyme. Also, studies of other species have found that unconjugated BPA can diffuse across the placenta, from a mother’s circulation to the fetus. Several studies have focused on the detection and removal of BPA from the environment. There is still a lot of research to be done to determine safe levels of BPA exposure for adults, children and animals to avoid detrimental health risks.