Bisphenol-A Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Bisphenol-A - Research Paper Example Numerous studies have proven that bisphenol A can disrupt the hormonal system of animals and humans. Other structural and physiological effects were noted in dysfunctions of sexuality, disrupts reproduction, triggering diabetes and respiratory illnesses, affecting mental abilities, behavior, encourages aggression and hampers learning outcomes. Other studies however are subject of controversial debates. Bisphenol – A 3 Introduction A review of greater than eighty (80) bio-monitoring investigations from nine (9) nations suggests exposure to industrial chemical, bisphenol A or BPA and this issue is ubiquitous in people from all over the world (Vandenberg, et al, 2010). Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the top produced volume of chemicals worldwide (Vandenberg, Maffini, Sonnenschein, Rubin and Soto, 2009) with around 3.8 million tonnes production in 2006 and corresponds up to 100,000 40-tonne HGVs. The largest share of this chemical is further processed in Europe area in a form of poly carbonates and epoxy resins, with over 6 billion pounds generated each year and over 100 tons discharged into the atmosphere by annual production. BPA, the building block of polycarbonate plastic (PasticEurope, 2009), is also one of the first synthetic substances that was known and has similar mode of action to that of the sex hormone of females known as estrogen. (Doods, 1936). Nevertheless, the said substance did not become successful in medical therapy since diethylstilbestrol (DES), a more potent synthetic estrogen was discovered (Doods, 1938). Years after, Bisphenol A became an industrial chemical, and exist in several everyday products, however, research reports found out that it can affect human hormone system, which presently have been the subject of dispute. Polycarbonate containers used as reusable food containers, some paper and cardboard, polyvinyl chloride and others have been examined for BPA content. Also, residual BPA were examined leaching from the epoxy resins lini ng cans all throughout specific foods including vegetables, canned pet foods, and fish.(Vandenberg, Maffini, Sonnenschein, Rubin and Soto, Bisphenol – A 4 2009), The experts added that canned infant formula and others were found to contain BPA which may have leach from the epoxy resin. Moreover, it is very alarming to find out that in blood serum samples, median levels of unconju ­gated BPA (biologically active) were higher compared to the levels predicted by toxicokinetic models, which form the basis of United States regulations for the said compound, arriving at the range that has been presented to cause adverse effects in animals (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2010). Objectives This paper is directed to highlight controversies over bisphenol A, a ubiquitous chemical produced from polyvinyl chloride plastics, polycarbonate and epoxy resins. It also presents relevant information regarding threats, health risks and interventions involved in the contamination process du ring the past decade and until recently. Literature Review Bisphenol A is a chemical substance, found mostly in very common products such as CDs, DVDs, plastic bowls, drinking bottles and containers for food water boilers, mobile telephones, motorcycle helmets, roof coverings, computer housings water boiler, safety glass (glassy polymers), Car parts (transparent plastic parts),