BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C15H16O2. It is produced by the condensation of phenol with acetone and is a key building block in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are used in a range of consumer products such as water bottles, food containers, and eyewear frames, while epoxy resins serve as protective coatings inside metal cans and other packaging.

Exposure to BPA occurs primarily through ingestion of food or beverages that have contacted BPA-containing materials, especially when heated. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with estrogenic activity in laboratory studies. Health implications remain debated, but regulatory agencies in several countries have restricted its use in certain products for infants, and ongoing assessments continue for general population exposure.

Regulatory responses vary by jurisdiction. Several countries have banned or restricted BPA in infant products and may require labeling or other restrictions. In the United States, the FDA has stated that current exposures to BPA from foods are unlikely to pose a risk to the general population, while continuing to monitor new data. The European Union and other authorities have conducted risk assessments and adjusted guidelines as new information becomes available. The regulatory landscape reflects differing interpretations of the evidence and evolving precautionary approaches.

Industry and researchers have pursued alternatives and BPA-free materials, though some substitutes such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) may raise similar concerns. Environmental releases of BPA occur during manufacturing and consumer use, and aquatic organisms can be affected at certain concentrations. Overall, BPA remains a topic of ongoing scientific study and regulatory attention.