The Strange Case of Bisphenol

What is BPA and what is it used for BPA is a precursor of resistant polycarbonate and epoxy plastics. It was first synthesized in 1888 (Fig. 4.26). Commercial use of BPA began when epoxy resins were developed in the 1950s. Epoxy resins are used as protective covering layers on metals (food cans, pipelines), dental adhesives, DVDs, cell phones, contact lenses, car parts, and sports equipment. In shopping receipts, BPA is a slightly acidic activator that causes color change when pressure or heat is applied. Because of its widespread use, BPA is produced on a vast scale, 5.4 million t a year. 

Is fear of BPA reasonable As usual, the devil is in the details. At present, experimental information does not show that bisphenol A (BPA) causes impotence, especially not in the minor amount used in receipts. In the scientific literature, there is a single publication that studied this possibility, and it found no causal connection between sexual activity and the level of exposure to BPA in Chinese men. Animal experiments did not link BPA and impotence, either. 

BPA is a known endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), but this effect is sUght and has been known since the 1930s. This fear of EDC activity led to a total ban of BPA in polycarbonate plastic bottles intended for babies. The chemical industry was not really shaken by this ban as this use was only a tiny fiaction of the market. On the other hand, finding substances that rival the favorable properties BPA is not easy, and more significantly, not cheap. Isosorbide, which can be produced by artificial sweetener sorbitol, is a possible replaeement. A promising alternative of polycarbonate plastics is named Tritan co-polyester, and is made from dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-l,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO). However, replacing BPA in all current apphcatiorrs would be difficult, very expensive, and—most importantly—unlikely to save anyone from any harm. 

Is this the end of the BPA debate Toxieologically speaking, it shonld be. Sociologically speaking, it is highly nnlikely. 

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