Use of Bisphenol a BPA

Bisphenol-A

The organic compound Bisphenol-A, often abbreviated as BPA, is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. In the past, it was used primarily as a clear, strong plastic which was most often utilized in products such as baby bottles. This was because the BPA plastic is strong and easily-sterilized. Products like baby bottles require lots of use and quite a bit of abuse, such as being thrown around by a small child. Consequently, it proved useful to consumers because they would not have to replace the product regularly. BPA is also used in eyeglass lenses, medical materials, water bottles, CDs and DVDs, cellular telephones, computers, electronics, household appliances, safety shields, sporting equipment, and cars (Bisphenol A). This material is used in many products and consequently is an important factor in the manufacturing of other consumer products. However, there has been a debate in recent years about whether or not BPA is a hazardous material and should be banned out of concern for public safety.

There are several countries, including Canada and many nations in Europe, that have banned the use of BPA in the sale of certain products like baby bottles for fear of the potential damage to an infant's immune system (Mittelstaedt 2010). Researchers in Canada were able to ascertain that a staggering 91% of the population had at least some BPA inside their bodies. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently performing research to determine whether or not the use of BPA should be restricted or outright banned in the U.S. As well. Another group, the National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction uses five criteria to determine possible levels of toxicity: negligible concern, minimal concern, some concern, concern, and then serious concern (Bisphenol 2010). They determined that BPA has minimal concern to pregnant and then breastfeeding mothers. There was also a negligible concern to other outcomes, such as endangerment to small children. The NTP has been able to link bisphenol A to breast cancer (Baker 2008-page 159). Specific health concerns are that BPA can have negative effects on the development of the brain and prostate glands of fetuses, infants, and children.

For all of these reasons, there are many groups who are attempting to ban the use of bisphenol A in the United States and in other countries who do not yet impose such legislation. However, there is the other side of the debate. Proponents of the use of BPA argue that it is an integral component of the manufacturing of many products and that the ban of the compound would be detrimental to their industries, worsening the already weak economy. They also feel that the normal human interaction with BPA is not enough to have the negative side effects that the research groups are talking about. Only through high amounts of exposure to the compound can an individual experience the potential side effects of interaction. After BPA was banned in Canada, the country became aware of how prevalent the product was (Mittlestaedt 2010). Bisphenol A was included in nearly every food and beverage can or bottle sold in the country.

To complicate the matter, there are people who straddle the two sides of the debate. Some people are against the use of BPA, but only in certain products. There are groups who would ban the use of BPA in things like baby bottles or breast pumps because of the supposed link between infantile exposure and brain development or breast cancer. Researchers have thus far been unable to identify the amount of exposure necessary to create a concern about the compound. Until quantified data can be determined, there will be no way to positively say which side of the debate is in the right about BPA.