Stephanie Chalupka (Nursing) is the author of “Bisphenol A: A Precautionary Approach,” which was recently published in the AAOHN Journal.
Chalupka examines the controversy about human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical and building block for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. BPA can be found in many products, including hard plastic water bottles, plastic baby bottles, pacifiers and baby toys, certain microwavable or reusable food and drink containers, the lining of metal food and drink cans, dental sealants, paints, adhesives, enamels, and health care devices.
BPA is an endocrine disruptor (also known as an endocrine-disrupting chemical compound). Endocrine disruptors are exogenous substances that act like hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt the physiologic function of endogenous hormones.
Although early research focused on the estrogenic effect of BPA and its ability to cause developmental and reproductive problems, more recent reports have suggested that even low doses of the chemical may, over time, damage the liver, disrupt the function of insulin-making cells in the pancreas, disrupt thyroid hormones, and promote obesity in humans.