Bisphenol a exposure: human risk and health policy

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used extensively to manufacture commonly used plastics and epoxy resin liners for food and beverage cans. BPA, with properties similar to diethylstilbestrol, has been shown to exert endocrine-disrupting effects and result in behavioral changes, altered growth, and early secondary sexual maturation. In 2008, legislation was introduced at the state and federal level to ban the use of BPA in children's products. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with the weight of evidence, current federal regulatory stance, and proposed legislation regarding the safe use of BPA.