Bisphenol-A: European Usage, Health Impacts, and Government Response

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical compound widely used in the production of plastics, particularly for food and water storage. The report begins by defining BPA and tracing its history, including its discovery and early applications in various products. It then delves into the global usage of BPA, highlighting its presence in everyday items such as water bottles and canned food containers, and explores the history of its use in Europe. A significant portion of the report focuses on the alleged health impacts of BPA, detailing potential adverse effects such as hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. The report also examines the reactions of governments worldwide, with a specific emphasis on the European Union, and their strategies for managing and regulating BPA. A case study is included to provide real-world examples of the issues surrounding BPA. Finally, the report concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks associated with BPA and the need for responsible use and recycling of products containing this chemical.

BISPHENOL- A AND ITS
USE IN EUROPE AND
ALLEGED HEALTH
IMPACTS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................2
What is Bisphenol- A..................................................................................................................2
The history of using Bisphenol- A worldwide............................................................................4
The history of using Bisphenol- A in EU....................................................................................6
Alleged health impacts of Bisphenol-A......................................................................................9
The reaction of government by using Bisphenol-A worldwide in general and in EU in
particular...................................................................................................................................12
Case study ................................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION
Bisphenol- A is a chemical compound which is used by manufactures to make plastic
products in which storing food and water is easy. The products made of BPA offers easy way to
manage freshness of edibles. It is used by almost all the people across the globe regardless of its
harmful effects. There has been continuous change in management of BPA because the usage of
products made with this has impacted health of many individuals (Hassan, 2012). It is the most
dangerous substance and leads to various health problems like hormonal dis-balance,
reproductive problems, asthma etc. The report will outline the terminology of Bisphenol- A
which will comprise launch of substance which is recorded in 1891 as came to existence after its
non-breakable properties The scholars were impressed with toughness of BPA which assisted in
launching canned food jars and packets, baby bottles for infants, universal water bottles etc. It
will outline the health and environmental problems which arise due to excessive use of products
made of BPA like it leads to waste which is the major reason behind unusual climatic changes
and global warming. Further, it is the reason of neurological disorders which are caused in
human due to consumption of packaged food or feeding infants with the BPA plastic bottles etc.
(Lang and et.al., 2018) Moreover, it will analyse the controversies which arise with success of
products of Bisphenol- A like its comparison with material related to Diethylstilbestrol which is
the most dangerous chemical compound. The focus of report will be analyse various studies in
which the researcher will aim at discussion about the health concerns and impact of Bisphenol-A
on humans. This is the study which will develop critical understanding over the use of products
which contains properties of BPA and moreover it will assist in creating awareness among
people about increasing concerns of BPA.
The report will evaluate the history of using Bisphenol- A across the globe in which it
will identify views of different scholars over worldwide changes and consumption food and
liquid stored in BPA. It will draw a list of problems and controversies which arise with
continuous use of plastics like, red alarm situation, disorder to many people and importance of
pregnant and feeding women of using products made with polycarbonate (PC). Besides, it will
recognize history of using Bisphenol- A in EU where it is used the most for packaging and
storing food for long time which leads to contamination which is major cause of increasing
health problems. It will outline the hazardous observation of EU on use of and its products
(Schierow, 2011). Apart from this, it will outline alleged health impacts of Bisphenol-A that is
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health problems and their impact on human health like neurological disorders, behavioural
changes, heart diseases, reproductive disorders etc. It will comprise the study over the products
and of BPA which leads to these adverse impacts on human body. Furthermore, the report will
focus on evaluating reaction of government by using Bisphenol-A worldwide in general and in
EU in particular. It will identify the strategies programs which help the government increasing
awareness and reducing use of products which are made of BPA to prevent environmental and
health problems. Thus, it will summarize case study which reflects the use, problems, impacts
and cause of using products made of Bisphenol- A on society.
MAIN BODY
What is Bisphenol- A
Bisphenol- A is chemical formula and is organic synthetic solid compound. It has no
colour but is easily dis-solvable and is termed as BPA. This is generally used for making epoxy
resins and plastics. It is used for making several goods which are used by people for regular
needs like water bottles, cans, Compact disk etc. It is also used for coating on food utensils. This
is the highest volume of chemical which is produced in a year (Huang and et.al., 2018). For
maintaining safety of food, it is being tested for years for determining its suitability. However,
the use of BPA in infant baby bottles has been ended by Food Drug administration of US
keeping in mind safety of child. Apart from baby bottles, Bisphenol- A is generally used for
storage containers to preserve freshness of food and water (McGrath and et.al., 2017). Like in
canned foods, drinking containers' recourse drinks etc. The packaging of plastics has been
divided into seven different categories for recycling like the category from 1 to 6 are not likely to
contain content of BPA whereas the category 7 is made with BPA and has Resin Identification
Code 7 which denotes its content and form of plastic. Bisphenol- A was discovered by Russian
Chemist, Aleksandr Dianin in 1891. On the basis of research of Chemist, BPA was first used to
make epoxy resins and to harden polycarbonate plastics. The compound was further tested by
British biochemist Edward from where it has been identified that it’s 37000 times less impelling
in comparison to estradiol. To contradict the use of BPA, British biochemist Edward launched
similar compound which was Diethylstilbestrol which is drug in animal and women. It was
banned as it had major risk of causing cancer whereas BPA is the safest compound and does not
relate to any dug and its chemicals (Calleja and et.al., 2014).
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As per the survey of European foods safety authority, it has been determined that BPA
holds no risk which can impact human health and consumers of any age. On the other hand, by
European Chemical Agency, it has been found out that BPA should be listed for limited use as it
has content and properties of Endocrine Disruptor. It is chemical compound which is very
dangerous and leads to various disruption like cancerous tumours, physical and mental disorders
and birth effects (Alonso-Magdalena and et.al., 2010). Apparently, BPA is effective for thyroid
functioning as it helps in binding hormones of thyroid. Further, with the increasing use it has
been determined that environmental chemical and thyroid functions have caused concern to the
uses of BPA. The 2009 test of BPA reflected that use of BPA leads to adverse impact of thyroid
hormones. In addition to this, use of BPA leads to neurological disorders which causes high level
of hyperactivity, tension, anxiety, depression etc. In accordance to National institute of health, it
has been analysed that use of BPA substances also impact brain development of infants which
effects their behaviours since childhood (Rubin, 2011). Thus, with this, it has been determined
that use of BPA has its pros and cons and it is ban by food and safety association to protect
health interest of people across the globe. Use of BPA for canned food products and water
bottles seems satisfactory as it assists the society in maintaining food and drinks safe and fresh
for long hours, but due to long stay in plastic bottles the food gets contaminated and leads to
adverse effects on health of humans worldwide.
Apart from the impact on human health, the use of BPA is also leading to environmental
effects. In 2010, the environment protection Agency of US analysed that more than one million
BPA was found in environment as waste. It impacts environment through its direct use of
chemical plastics, transportation, staining and coating. Generally, the BPA waste impact
environment through irrigation waste, municipal waste water, plastic scratch, waste of metals
and minerals, plastic etc. The waste impacts the quality of water and soil which impacts the
evaporation rate. The release of plastic waste is hampering atmosphere as rate of vaporisation
has decreased. Further, the BPA in environment has reduced water solubility which is further
impacting many lives in water. As per (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,
2017), one concern for which human should be worried about use of BPA is negative impacts of
health like in 2003 and 4 National health and Nutrition Examination Survey has regulated
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention which determined 2517 urine samples in which there
was 93 percent of Bisphenol- A from age group 6 and older. In accordance to research and
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analyst there are various prevention measure which can assist in controlling adverse impact of
Bisphenol- A which are, not microwaving the plastic containers, recycling containers as per their
codes, less use of canned and preserved food items etc. (Vandenberg and et.al., 2010) Thus,
BPA is compound to which uses have become necessary but it is causing various health and
environmental problems, therefore it is important or the society to understand the limited and
effective use of products which contain BPA. It is important for the people across the globe to
focus on recycling plastic products in order to reserve environmental and health of animals and
water lives. The increasing waste due to use of plastic is the major cause which is hampering the
stability of climatic condition and giving rise to global warming. With the increasing use, there
are adverse impacts on few cities of global warming that there the situation has been turned into
red alarm.
The history of using Bisphenol- A worldwide.
Bisphenol- A is known as building block of polycarbonate plastic. There are many
researchers on use and effect of Bisphenol- A worldwide. As per Public Health Am, (2009, it is
synthetic chemical which is used in various daily life products of human life. The author in its
research analysed various adverse health effects like, cancerous tumour, behavioural changes,
obesity etc. The use of BPA has become headline of news worldwide as it is related to safety of
environment, humans and animals across the globe. However, the waste which has been caused
by the use of BPA and plastics is the major reason which is leading to major fluctuation in
climatic changes and the high temperature use and canned food packet impacts health of humans
in different ways. Similarly, with the increasing effects of BPA, the initial bans on the product
were baby bottle of infants because due to BPA material in bottle, there were noticeable
behavioural changes in child growth and development. The report of U.S. National Toxicology
Program (NTP) researched on the issue and analysed that use of plastic material in water bottles
of infants affects brain and behaviour. Further, there are cases where the milk is microwaved at
high temperature in Bottle due to which BPA components are seen in milk of infant (Dolinoy,
Huang and Jirtle, 2017). As per reviews in Denmark, BPA is completely banned in products
which are related to infants. With this ban, the Japanese Can industry has replaced the way
making products for infants. While in US, there are many states which allow the use of BPA
material in bottles but on the other hand, there are 11 states where BPA in products of babies is
strictly prohibited (Zhou and et.al., 2014).
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Nevertheless, the adverse effects of using BPA are reflected in many controversies
worldwide which denote the history of using Bisphenol. Like in 1930, Charles Edward Dodds
stated, that BPA is a artificial estrogen which is life threatening chemical compound and use of
which can lead to cancerous tumour, behavioural changes, anxiety, etc. There are many
researchers which reflect different facts about BPA like according to Caliendo, (2012), it is
present in almost all products worldwide and in environment as well. Whereas Chanda and Roy,
(2018), believes that content and properties of BPA are low in products and are not at all
harmful. According to Nordqvist, (2017), it important for pregnant and feeding women to avoid
drinking water from plastic bottles and eating from packaged food in order to prevent health of
child. On the other hand, the use of BPA should be banned as it is the most dangerous compound
which is the reason to many health and environmental problems across the globe like, increasing
fertility issues especially in Men as it lowers sperm quality, heart disease etc. As per many
scholars, it has been determined that history of using Bisphenol- A worldwide is adverse like it
imitates body hormones which is reflected in secretion, production, body functioning and
reduction in natural body hormones. In accordance to uses and worldwide history, it is clear that
use of BPA majorly impacts children and youth population (Vaughn, 2010).
As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) components of BPA is found
in urine samples of almost all individuals across the globe. The study states that almost all
humans make use of products which are made of BPA and this denotes the increasing uses of
harmful substances regardless of its affects (Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in Food Contact
Application, 2014). Moreover, as per increasing health problems it is important to create
awareness among people about the limit use of BPA products because out of 100 more than 70
percent of individuals are not even aware about the adverse effects which these products are
leading to health. Like, there are many people who drink water which is stored in water bottle for
a long time. Apart from consumption, BPA enters human body through Dental sealants, working
at construction sites and through harsh detergents which are kept in liquid at high temperature for
very long time (Geens, Goeyens and Covaci, 2011). With increasing impact of BPA in history
there has been huge need of spreading awareness and being more concern about BPA products.
The people are now focused on check for the labelling to ensure that food packaging is BPA free.
Individuals have started buying food which is stored in glass instead of plastics, consuming
frozen foods instead of canned. Avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers to prevent
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contamination is the best practice which helps the society in reducing effects of Bisphenol- A.
Buying wooden toys for infants instead of plastic is another way which helped the society in
managing effects of BPA. The changes in practices of world assisted the world in managing
environmental balance (Rogers, Metz and Yong, 2013). However, still there are many states who
consistently use BPA products which has even increased waste that is hampering the stability of
environment. Thus, the changes in food packaging material and microwave utensils has
succeeded in creating awareness among people regarding negative impact of BPA (Shelby,
2010). FDA’s food contact regulations and food contact notification program has assisted in
managing changes and making people aware about the harmful effects of Bisphenol- A which
has increased the society participation in managing safe use of material and consumption
(Stamati, Hens and Howard, 2013). Apart from infants, the toxicity of BPA products is majorly
impacting reproductive system higher than kidney or liver. It interrupts the whole neuron and
hormonal system of human body which is life threatening. There are many cases and
controversies which reflect influence of Bisphenol- A on human, wildlife and environment.
The history of using Bisphenol- A in EU.
The manufacturing and increasing use of BPA has been a topic of debate as the chemical
reaction with its material is impacting health of various vulnerable groups especially infants and
youth population across the globe. There are scientific arguments and debates are going on for
the use and manufacturing of products made with Bisphenol- A. To prove the toxic content of
Bisphenol- A, the scientists have tested the use of BPA with living organisms which denotes that
its major impact is especially on the reproductive system. For 2019, Denmark has been planning
to ban use of BPA in order to protect it in food and consumption of infants (Background for
national legislation on bisphenol A (BPA) in EU and EFTA countries, 2014). In EU, there are
various activities which have taken place to control the impact, use and manufacturing of
Bisphenol- A. Further, the use of BPA in EU has been completely banned with increasing
concern of responsible authorities over human health. As per European chemical Agency
(ECHA), BPA is an organic compound innovated by man and the concern regarding health and
its negative influence is increasing due to endocrine disrupting characteristics. As per researcher,
the properties of BPA are concerned with health problems like hormonal dysfunction, metabolic
diseases, thyroid functions and neurological disorders. Apart from this, it has impacted
reproductive system of human body by decreasing fertility senses. There are various
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communities and association which have shared their concern regarding use of BPA in food like
French Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health and Safety and European
Chemical Agency (Background for national legislation on bisphenol A (BPA) in EU and EFTA
countries, 2014). The association has outlined the industry use of BPA to make people aware
about the health problems like it is used for food packaging that is its Polycarbonate is used for
making food containers and feeding baby bottles for infants. Furthermore, it also exists in cans of
beverages like Coke, Pepsi and linings for food which act as protective coatings. It seems very
generous when edibles are coated with BPA content but the people are not aware about the
harmful impacts of its properties on their health (Chu, 2017). It has become common issue of
discussion because the side effect of using packaged food and beverages is the major cause
behind increasing disease and health problems which are not temporary but is life threatening.
Apparently, the EU risk assessment in 2003 which was updated in 2008 with increaisng
health concerns of Existing chemical program and declared that there is no risk involved with
use of BPA but when it is revised than, the use of BPA has been banned for packing of food
material and feeding bottles of infants. In addition, to make it stricter, the government and food
regulation association has made it mandatory for the food suppliers and companies to label
products with proper clear packaging so that people can analyse the use of BPA properties in
products. This step and measure was taken by EU association for establishing control over use of
Bisphenol-A. In accordance to progress to protect health, approximately 12 states have policies
under which use of BPA is banned like in France, it is banned for food containers as well as in
Canada and Europe, it is banned for baby bottles (Bisphenol A: EU ban on baby bottles to enter
into force tomorrow, 2018). The regulation of use of BPA has allowed people to sell product and
tools which are made up of BPA but with exhaustion of six months, the use and manufacturing
BPA was again banned Due to these changes in regulation for use of BPA in EU, there were
several restrictions for manufacturing of all the products which are related to infants like baby
bottle, plastic sippy cups, water bottles, feeding accessories etc. Moreover, it is banned for
pregnant women to use product which contains property of Bisphenol-A because it directly
impacts the health of child. In addition to food packaging, there is strict limit of the use of BPA
which is focused on minimum impact with regard to health concern for society. The present
level allows an SML of 0.6 mg of Bisphenol-A in per Kilogram of food (Whitworth, 2017).
Members of Chemical policies have implemented new patterns of chemical policies like the
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European Community of Consumer Cooperatives have shared their views over retailers in
Europe over the use of BPA. Like, there are many retailers who do not use products of BPA,
theses organisation offers their own branded products and with own style and material of
packaging which is authorized and is protected by regulations of European Union (Chu, 2017).
However, the Institute of Food Science and Technology has designed new study on the
basis of evidence which states that use of BPA is strictly prohibited for the products which are
produced for infants and in food packaging. In accordance, it is important for the government
and food association to create awareness among consumers about the health concerns which are
increasing due to use of BPA in regular daily life products. Further, as per survey of researchers,
it has been determined that strictly prohibiting use of Bisphenol-A is the only strategy which can
stop use of BPA and can create consumer awareness. The chemical found in Kettles, water
bottles, Compact disk etc. is strictly banned because as per European Union, it is issue of human
health and its leads to hormones dysfunctions. Moreover, the European Chemicals Agency
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Illustration 1: Labelling for BPA free products
Source: (EU moves to restrict hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastics, 2017)

(ECHA), stood unanimously for prohibiting Bisphenol-A due to its Endocrine Disrupt-or. Apart
from this, there were 20 battles called by Green law group Client Earth against the use of
Bisphenol-A (EU moves to restrict hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastics, 2017). Thus,
these battles were reasons behind rapid changes and prohibition of BPA content in food
packaging and regular products of human lives. In EU, the fighting against right is easy as
European Union regulations are focused on protecting rights of humans but at the time of BPA,
the associations came up with major health concerns like neurological disorders, thyroid, etc.,
which are increasing regular and becoming life threatening. However, BPA fall under category
of the best seller like in 2006 there were 3.8 tonnes of substance produced with Bisphenol-A.
This production level denotes its increasing use and demand in market regardless of its side
effects on human health. Thus, according to epidemiological studies by German Federal
Environment Agency Survey, traces of BPA were found in 591 children out of 599 when tested
during survey (EU moves to restrict hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastics, 2017).
Alleged health impacts of Bisphenol-A.
Health is the major concern due to which use and production of BPA has been banned in
many states. Like, the major threat of BPA properties is to Infant because it is used in baby
bottles and sipping cups which impacts the development of child due to which from early
growing age, the child faces neurological problems like anxiety, depression etc. Growing age of
infants is every sensitive and use of BPA in baby bottle and products used by pregnant lady have
been prohibited. There are major health problems which have been increasing due to Bisphenol-
A and it is the reason why the government and food regulation association have been focusing on
banning use of Bisphenol-A in food packaging and water bottles. In accordance as per
Konieczna, Rutkowska and Rachori, (2015), BPA belongs to the field of chemical and is
produced in large quantities across the globe. As per researcher, it is generally used as
polycarbonate and synthesis plasticizer. Further, it is considered as dangerous by studies of
scientist and food regulation association because the majority of its use is for the kitchen ware
products. The plastic food packaging is the most dangerous use of BPA because it is related to
direct consumption and can impact human health directly. From various researcher, it has been
determined that use of poly carbonate is the growing concern for the society as it a causes
various health diseases such as neurological disorders, Cancers, hormonal dysfunction etc.
Similarly, when it is consumed by the child who is of growing age, then it impacts Pre
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development which is major reason behind increasing early childhood depression and anxiety in
youth. BPA plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of several endocrine disorders like hormonal
tumours infertility among males and females, precocious puberty, such as breast cancer and
disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Report on the Study of Health Impacts of
Bisphenol-A (BPA), 2013). Banning products and manufacturing of BPA has become a common
and a major concern because it has been increasing health problems for all the people across the
globe. Health concern is a major problem which was considered by European Union which
motivated the government to research about health concerns. With the research, the association
and government has found out that the major cause of immaturity in infants, barriers in Pre
development of child and disastrous impact on women health is due to consumption of packaged
and canned food material.
As per Wade, Susan and Frederick, (2006), a billion pounds per year of the estrogenic
monomer bisphenol A is used for making products of plastic every year which demonstrates
excessive use of poly carbonate products in daily lives of humans. The BPA products are related
with Plasma membrane and therefore, it causes changes to cell functions. To measure BPA, the
association and researcher implements the use of various techniques like fetal, adult blood,
pregnant maternal and regulating a check over changes in tissues and hormones. Further, anxiety
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Illustration 2: Bisphenol A stimulates
Source: (Wade, Susan and Frederick, 2006).