Substitution of bisphenol A: a review of the carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption potential of alternative substances

Abstract

The use of bisphenol A (BPA) is restricted due to its reproductive toxicity and endocrine disrupting (ED) properties. The public concern and regulatory restrictions on BPA stimulated the development of alternative substances to replace BPA. The aim of this study is to review the available data on carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxicity, and ED properties of BPA alternatives used in consumer products. The focus is on the potential hazard for (young) children and/or pregnant women. An inventory of known potential alternative substances (n = 99) was made, of which 20 were prioritized based on reported use by the general population. For all the selected alternatives, data on ED potential, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity was very limited or even absent (i.e. Tefacid Stearic 95, Bisphenol C, AP, and P). For the alternative substances bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol AF (BPAF), p-tert-butylphenol and to a lesser extent bisphenol F (BPF), fluorine-9-bisphenol (BHPF), bisphenol E, M, and Z (BPE, BPM, BPZ), Irganox 1076, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the data indicates a reproductive toxicity hazard with a possible ED mode of action. 3,3',5,5'-Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) tested positive for carcinogenicity. Data gaps are present for most of these substances. In this study, data on reproductive toxicity and/or ED potential were only negative, although not complete, for benzoic acid and Irganox 1010, tetra methyl bis phenol F (TMBPF) and bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP). A full evaluation of all data, including in vitro data, is recommended to guide targeted testing prioritization.

Keywords: Bisphenol A; bisphenol A alternatives; children; endocrine disruption; hazard assessment; pregnant woman; reproductive toxicity; sensitive populations.