Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It can migrate from products into food, water, and other environments, where it can interact with hormone systems.

Endocrine disruptor: A substance that interferes with hormone production, signaling, or action in an organism. BPA is studied as an endocrine-active chemical because it can affect hormone signaling.
Polycarbonate: A transparent, tough thermoplastic made using bisphenol A as a building block. BPA is used to produce this plastic, historically found in food containers and other goods.
BPA exposure and human health: The study of how bisphenol A exposure relates to human biological outcomes and disease. This research evaluates possible consequences of BPA exposure across life stages.
Bisphenol F: A bisphenol compound used in some resins and products as an alternative to bisphenol A. BPF can replace BPA but may share some endocrine-active properties.
Estrogen receptor: A protein that binds estrogens and regulates cellular activity in response to them. BPA can interact with estrogen receptors, though its effects differ from those of natural estrogen.
Epoxy resin: A polymer system that cures into a hard, adhesive material and can be made from bisphenol A. BPA-based epoxy resins are used in protective coatings, including some food-can linings.
Developmental toxicity: Adverse effects on an organism arising during prenatal or early-life development. Concern focuses partly on whether early exposure to BPA can alter development.
Bisphenol AF: A fluorinated bisphenol used in specialty polymers and investigated for biological activity. Its structure and activity offer a comparison with BPA and other bisphenols.
Non-monotonic dose–response relationship: A dose–response pattern in which the direction or size of an effect changes across exposure levels. This pattern is central to debates about how BPA’s effects vary with dose.
Thermal paper: Paper coated with chemicals that produce an image when heated, often used for receipts. BPA has been used as a color developer in some thermal papers.

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