How BPA and BPS Are Making People Sick by Dr. Mercola
How BPA and BPS Are Making People Sick
February 22, 2017|27,355views
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By Dr. Mercola
Just when you thought you knew how dangerous bisphenol-A (BPA) was
to your health, research demonstrates both BPA and substitute chemicals
are able to cross the placental barrier, increasing the toxic load on a
growing infant.1 When tested, over 200 chemicals were found in umbilical cord blood of newborns.2
First created in 1891 by a Russian chemist, BPA
didn't make an appearance in the manufacture of products until the
1950s, when it was used to produce resilient, and often transparent
plastics.
Despite strong scientific evidence that BPA has a negative effect on
health, the industry was valued at over $13 billion in 2013, and is
expected to reach $20 billion by 2020.3
Today, BPA is found in countless personal care and plastic products,
from the lining in canned goods to plastic wraps, water bottles and
cashier receipts. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
claims BPA is safe for human consumption, it has been banned from sippy
cups and other baby products.
Unfortunately, substitute chemicals being used to increase the
strength and resiliency of plastics are probably no safer than the BPA
they replaced, as they are near-identical chemical compounds.
BPA and BPS Cross the Placental Barrier Increasing Risk to Children
In 2010 researchers discovered BPA does cross the placental barrier.4,5
But, more importantly, the researchers found while the active form of
BPA stays active in the developing infant, the inactive form can be
converted to an active form, indicating pre-birth exposure to BPA was
greater than originally anticipated.
In the movement toward removal of BPA from products, manufacturers
have been using bisphenol-S (BPS) and bisphenol-F (BPF) instead. These
substitute chemicals are as hormonally active as BPA and are both
strong endocrine disruptors.6 Both demonstrate adverse effects on the physiological functioning of humans and rats.7
Canadian and Chinese scientists have now demonstrated what
environmentalists have long believed — BPS and BPA can both cross into
the placenta, affecting the pre-birth growth of infants.8 BPS had already been found in urine samples of over 80 percent of infants from China, U.S. and six other Asian countries.9
Previous studies had reported behavioral differences in rodent
mothers exposed to BPS during pregnancy and in their female offspring.
The most recent study measured levels of BPS and BPA in 61 pairs of
maternal and cord blood samples, proving "the first evidence that BPS
crosses the human placenta."10 BPA metabolites in cord blood were also higher than found in maternal blood.
Current biomonitoring usually relies on detection of total BPA in
the urine and not the metabolites, BPA-sulfate and BPA-glucuronide.
Monitoring metabolites of BPA is limited and even less is known about
the metabolites of substitutes BPS and BPF. Lead author Dr. Jonathan
Martin from the University of Alberta explained:
"The [fetus] has more difficulty excreting BPA than the mother.
The mother can easily pass metabolites through urine, whereas the
[fetus] excretes to the amniotic fluid and, to some extent, back to the
mother's circulation. The human [fetus] is known to have a different
metabolic capacity.
It's known to have a very immature glucuronidation pathway,
whereas sulfation begins earlier. So it's not uncommon for the human
[fetus] to produce more of the sulfate than the respective
glucuronide."
How Endocrine Disruption Works
BPA metabolites may not have the strong estrogenic chemical activity
of total BPA, but they are also not biologically inactive. Several
studies have identified different types of biological activity between
cultured cells and one BPA metabolite, and total BPA is a known
endocrine disruptor.
Through widespread exposure and multiple effects on human cells, BPA represents a complex risk to human health.11
Exposure to rodents in the perinatal period, during the weeks just
prior to and after birth, BPA had a significant effect on the
neuroendocrine stress response.12
Researchers theorized this exposure may be associated with the
development of stress-related disorders later in life. Endocrine
disruptors work by mimicking, or partially mimicking, hormones that
occur naturally in the human body. This may produce overstimulation.
Some interfere or block the way receptors or hormones are made or
controlled. This interruption in the endocrine system may produce
negative results in infant development or in the reproductive,
neurological and immune systems of children and adults.
There is a wide range of chemicals and substances that may cause endocrine disruption, of which bisphenol chemicals are only one.
Pesticides, pharmaceutical interventions, dioxin-like compounds and
polychlorinated biphenyls are just a few of these endocrine disruptors
that are found in products, water supply and food supply affecting your
health.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
(NIEHS), research demonstrates these endocrine disruptors carry the
greatest risk when humans are exposed during prenatal and early
childhood development.13 This is the point during which organ and neurological system formation is being completed.
Increases Long-Term Risk of Illness and Adds Billions to Healthcare Cost
While exposure during prenatal and infancy periods may hold the
greatest risk, adolescents and adults are also at risk from endocrine
disruptors and the subsequent health conditions that may develop.
A recent study of the healthcare cost impact in Europe demonstrated
endocrine disrupting chemical contributed to the development of disease
and illness.14
The study found the subsequent health care cost from only the
chemicals with the highest probability of causation resulted in a cost
of at least $175 billion each year. The researchers estimated a broader
analysis would have resulted in a greater burden of disease and
healthcare cost.
The research detailed costs related to obesity,
neurological disorders, and male reproductive disorders. The study
evaluated the effect of only 5 percent of the known endocrine
disruptors, making this only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Linda
Birnbaum, Ph.D., microbiologist and director of the NIEHS, commented:15
"The point is that there is a wide variety of effects being seen in the generalpopulation
related to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We have increasing amount
of data raising concerns about their use. We are seeing effects from
[chemical] levels that are present in the general population."
As your endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth
and development, tissue function, metabolism, as well as sexual
function and reproductive processes, it is not surprising BPA and
substitute chemicals are associated with a number of different health
conditions, including:
Structural damage to your brain; hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness and impaired learning
Early puberty, stimulation of mammary gland development, disrupted reproductive cycles, ovarian toxicity and infertility16
BPA and Substitutes Increase Your Risk of Obesity and Diabetes
As obesity is a primary factor in the development of many of the
health conditions listed above, it is important to note that nearly 67
percent of women and 75 percent of men are either overweight or obese
today. 25 These numbers represent a rising trend and significant public health risk.
While it is tempting to blame an increasing waistline on one or two factors, metabolism
and weight control is complex and is dependent on different
influences. In a recent study, researchers discovered that in order to
maintain the same weight in 2006 as in 1988 you would have to eat less
and exercise more.26
The logical conclusion is that an environmental factor more
prevalent after 1988 is influencing your metabolism. Research from
Health Canada demonstrated the human body doesn't safely metabolize and
excrete BPA, but instead transforms it into something that grows fat
cells.27 This confirmed the results of multiple past studies linking BPA to increasing obesity.28,29,30,31
One study was also able to demonstrate BPA not only increased the
number of fat cells that differentiate from pre-adiposity cells, but
also increased the amount of fat inside the cells.32
Recent research now demonstrates the nearly identical BPS has some of
the same characteristics. Interestingly, in this study, all cells
exposed to BPS created fat, but those exposed to the least and greatest
amount grew greater amounts of fat than those exposed to moderate
amounts.33 Senior author of the latest study on BPS, Ella Atlas, Ph.D., of Health Canada, commented on the results, saying:34
"Our research indicates BPS and BPA have comparable effects on
fat cells and their metabolism. The study is the first to show that BPS
exposure can induce the formation of human fat cells.
Since BPS is one of the replacement chemicals used in consumer
products that are marketed as BPA-free, it is important to examine
whether BPS acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. This study shows
that BPS and BPA have similar effects on fat cell formation, lipid
accumulation and expression of genes important for lipid metabolism."
Is 'BPA-Free' Meaningless?
Concerns about the health effects of BPA have caused many consumers
to seek out products that are BPA-free. However, research indicates the
substitute compounds used to increase the strength of plastics also
interfere with hormones and pose a public health risk. In a study
evaluating the risks of both BPS and a secondary substitute chemical,
BPF, researchers concluded they are both as hormonally active as BPA.35
The structure between these three chemicals are remarkably similar,
they provide the same stability to plastics and create similar health
risks to humans.36 Study author Johanna Rochester, Ph.D., researcher at the Endocrine Disruption Exchange, commented:37
"According to pretty much all the literature there is on these
two substitutes, they are hormonally active in ways similar to BPA —
similar mechanisms, similar potencies."
Products labeled "BPA-free" have also been found to leach chemicals
with estrogenic activity after undergoing real world testing. Plastics
labeled "BPA-free" were microwaved, exposed to ultraviolet lights and
other common stressors.38
Almost all the commercially available products tested released
chemicals with estrogenic activity, including those labeled "BPA-free."
The researchers pointed out that manufacturers now have the ability
to produce plastics without estrogenically active compounds in a
cost-effective manner that would significantly reduce public health
risks.39 So why don't they?
Take These Steps to Reduce Your Risk
BPA is used in an amazing number of products in your home. In this
short video, results from a study on canned foods is described. As it
turns out, the researchers found more than just BPA. Until
manufacturers place a higher value on human health than on profit,
consider taking these steps to reduce your exposure to BPA and all the
substitute compounds that also contain endocrine disrupting features.40,41,42
Eat Mostly Fresh Whole Foods
Processed and packaged foods are a common source of BPA and
phthalates — particularly cans, but also foods packaged in plastic
wrap. Real food is always your best option.
Buy and Use Glass
Buy products that come in glass bottles rather than plastic or cans. Store your food and beverages in glass and use glass containers
if heating food in your microwave, as heat tends to increase the
release of chemicals from plastic. Be aware that even BPA-free
plastics typically leach other endocrine-disrupting chemicals that
are just as bad as BPA.
Use glass baby bottles
for your infants. Never drink coffee or tea from plastic cups and
replace all your plastic cups with glass. Avoid plastic utensil and
don't use drinking water packaged in plastic. Filter your own water
and store it in glass containers. Don't use plastic grocery bags from
the store. Bring your own reusable canvas or cloth variety.
Avoid Plastic Wrap
If you are using it to cover a glass container, don't allow it to touch the food and don't use it in the microwave.
Be Careful with Cash Register Receipts
If you use a store regularly, encourage the management to switch
to BPA-free receipts. I shop at Publix for my food and when I called
them about the receipts it turns out they had already switched. Nevertheless, it is wise to limit your contact with all these receipts.
Use Sustainable, Certified Organic, GMO-free Products
Look for products that are earth-friendly, animal-friendly, sustainable, certified organic and GMO-free.
This applies to everything from food and personal care products to
building materials, carpeting, paint, baby items, furniture,
mattresses and more.
When redoing your home, look for "green," toxin-free alternatives
in lieu of regular paint and vinyl floor coverings, the latter of
which is another source of phthalates. Replace your vinyl shower curtain with a fabric one. Don't use non-stick cookware.
Choose Children's Toys Carefully
Choose toys made from natural materials
to avoid plastic chemicals like phthalates and BPA/BPS, particularly
for items your child may be prone to suck or chew on.
Breastfeed for at Least a Year
Breastfeed
your baby exclusively if possible, for at least the first year (as
you will avoid phthalates exposure from infant formula packaging and
plastic bottles/nipples). Breastfeeding has additional advantages for
your child as well.
Switch over to organic toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste,
antiperspirants and cosmetics. EWG's Skin Deep database can help you
find personal care products that are free of phthalates and other
potentially dangerous chemicals.43
Switch Feminine Hygiene and Urinary Incontinence Products
Replace feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads) and urinary incontinence
products with safer alternatives. While most ingredients in feminine
hygiene products are undisclosed, tests suggest they may contain
dioxins and petrochemical additives.
Opt for Fragrance-Free
Look for fragrance-free products; phthalates are often used to
help the product hold its fragrance longer. Artificial fragrance can
also contain dozens of potentially toxic chemicals. Avoid fabric
softeners, dryer sheets, air fresheners and scented candles for the
same reason.
Test Tap Water
Check your home's tap water for contaminants and filter the water
if necessary. You may also want to use an alternative to PVC pipes
for your water supply.
Don't Drink From the Hose
Teach your children not to drink water from the garden hose, as many are made with phthalate-containing plastics.
Check with the Dentist
Verify any dental sealant used is BPA-, BPS- and BPF-free
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