Bisphenol A - Application, sources of exposure and potential risks in infants, children and pregnant women

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2015;28(2):209-41. doi: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00343.

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the chemical industry as a monomer in the production of plastics. It belongs to a group of compounds that disturb some of the functions of human body, the endocrine system in particular. Extensive use of BPA in manufacturing products that come in contact with food increases the risk of exposure to this compound, mainly through the digestive tract. Literature data indicate that exposure to bisphenol A even at low doses may result in adverse health effects. The greatest exposure to BPA is estimated among infants, children and pregnant women. The aim of this review is to show potential sources of exposure to bisphenol A and the adverse health effects caused by exposure to this compound in the group of particular risk.

Keywords: bisphenol A; children; dietary exposure; exposure; neurodevelopment; pregnant women.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / chemically induced
  • Adult
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / blood
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / toxicity*
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / urine
  • Birth Weight / drug effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drinking
  • Eating
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Epoxy Resins / chemical synthesis
  • Epoxy Resins / toxicity
  • Female
  • Food Contamination
  • Food Packaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Obesity / chemically induced
  • Phenols / blood
  • Phenols / toxicity*
  • Phenols / urine
  • Play and Playthings
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / chemically induced
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Phenols
  • bisphenol A