Hormone Disruptors

BPA

BPA stands for bisphenol A. It is a plastic chemical that was invented in 1891 by chemists. In the 1930s British chemist Charles Edward Dodds recognized BPA as an artificial estrogen. Later on, in the 1940s and 1950s BPA was used to manufacture hard plastic called polycarbonate as well as epoxy resins used in linings for metal food cans. Over the next 70 years the expansion of BPA was used for all sorts of industries including the manufacture of baby bottles, water coolers and bicycle helmets. During the 1990s Dr Feldman did research on estrogenic molecules and found that estrogenic molecules were leaching from plastic.  This molecule was identified as BPA. It was not until October 24, 2011 that BPA was banned in the US. And this was not the entire US and not all products. The ban on BPA was enacted as a law in California with a ban on baby sippy cups and baby bottles. Several states followed after California; however, some states still do not have laws to ban BPA.  

BPA is a petroleum based chemical that mimics estrogen in the body. It can be found in cans and plastic food. It is known as an endocrine disruptor. There are several studies to support the chemical to be harmful. It may harm the prostate, breast cancer, cause early puberty, behavioral problems and much more.

So, if a product says BPA free, does that mean it’s safe?

Not exactly. BPA has been known to be an endocrine disruptor and some manufactures are now using alternatives to BPA. Since these alternatives are not well studied, we do not know if they are safer or more harmful than BPA. 

Phthalates 

What is a phthalate?

Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible, known as a plasticizers.  They can be harmful as it is considered a hormone disruptor by working on testosterone action are considered anti-androgenic (blocking the body’s androgens).  This may reduce sperm count and decrease testosterone in the body, which can have negative side effects on both males and females. 

When you think testosterone, you may think male hormone. But females still need some testosterone for muscle and bone mass as well as mood.  In addition, studies have also showed that phthalates may also suppress female hormones. 

Phthalates can be found in products as solvents. Basically, this means it is added to a product to help dissolve certain chemicals. It also may be found in certain vinyl flooring, adhesives (think about your band-aids), detergents, plastic raincoats, soaps, shampoos, nail polishes, some children toys and more. 

So how do you know if a product contains phthalates?

It’s currently difficult to identify if a product has phthalates. Per the NIEHS the 8 most widely used phthalate compounds are: BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate), DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate), DEHP (the most widely added phthalate to polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), DEP, DiDP, DiNP, DnHP and DnOP. 

Watch out for your personal care products, such as deodorant, nail polish, shampoos. Under the current law, products can label phthalate simply as “fragrance”. Many products that do not have phthalate will label their products as phthalate-free. In addition, not all plastics are the same. Beware of plastic with the number of 3.

Reference:

1.     https://www.packagingdigest.com/food-safety/history-bpa. Accessed on July 11, 2020