Toxicological and Health Aspects of Bisphenol a

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that is widely used in the production of polycarbonate (PC) plastics (used in food contact materials, such as baby bottles and food containers) and epoxy resins (used as protective linings for canned foods and beverages and as a coating on metal lids for glass jars and bottles). These uses result in low level consumer exposure to BPA via the diet.

Although a large number of studies on the toxicity and hormonal activity of BPA in laboratory animals have been published, there have been considerable discrepancies in outcome among these studies with respect to both the nature of the effects observed as well as the levels at which they occur. This has led to controversy within the scientific community about the safety of BPA, as well as to considerable media attention.

In light of uncertainties about the possibility of adverse human health effects at low doses of BPA, especially on reproduction, the nervous system and behavioral development, and considering the relatively higher exposure of very young children compared with adults, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly organized an Expert Meeting to assess the safety of BPA.