Bisphenol Standards
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound that has long been used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.The majority of human exposure to BPA is a direct result of food and beverage consumption, as BPA has been widely used as a component in food and beverage containers (e.g. water bottles, cartons, food and beverage storage containers, polycarbonate tableware, etc.). BPA mimics certain naturally occurring human hormones and can potentially interfere with functionality of the endocrine system. Regulatory agencies worldwide have recognized the harmful effects caused by the use of BPA and have banned its use in certain products related to food and beverage consumption. While annual worldwide BPA production has continued to climb, manufacturers have responded to consumer and regulatory concerns by using other bisphenol compounds as alternatives to BPA. Bisphenol S (BPS), a BPA alternative, is largely used in thermal receipt paper; it has also been used as a key ingredient in polyethersulfone (PES) plastic as a replacement for the polycarbonate plastics previously made with BPA. A study conducted by the University of Texas has shown that BPS may be just as harmful to human health as its predecessor, BPA.1 The study shows that BPS, like BPA, has the ability to mimic estrogen, thereby disrupting the endocrine system and altering hormone levels. According to a study by NIEHS, next-generation alternatives, such as bisphenol F, may be even more harmful, 2 and reports of estrogenic activity in others such as Bisphenol AF (BPAF), Bisphenol P (BPP), Bisphenol B (BPB), and Bisphenol Z (BPZ)3 are cause for concern. As with many xenochemicals, conjugates may also be present, and CIL has begun preparation of glucuronide and bissulfate conjugated standards. Bisphenol diglycidyl ethers are derivatives of bisphenols and are used as cross-linking agents in epoxy resins. There are concerns about their overall health effects; they have been used in coatings for certaain food containers, and migration into foods has been demonstrated.
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