Dangerous concentrations of bisphenol A found in the bodies of most Europeans
(ORDO NEWS) — Recent results from biomonitoring conducted in 11 European countries are alarming. It found that between 71% and 100% of the population are exposed to the synthetic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) at unsafe levels. This substance is found in various types of plastic and metal, and is also present in epoxy resins used to coat water pipes.
The main source of BPA entering the body is food and water. Such data was provided by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
EEA Executive Director, Leena Ylä-Mononen, noted that this biomonitoring project was a real breakthrough in research and revealed a much greater health risk of bisphenol A than previously thought. She called for serious action at the pan-European level to limit exposure to chemicals that pose a risk to human health.
To conduct biomonitoring, bisphenol A levels were measured in the urine of 2,756 people between 2014 and 2020. On average, 92% of participants had BPA levels exceeding European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines.
The lowest concentrations of BPA were found in residents of Switzerland, where only 71% of participants exceeded safe levels. At the same time, in France, Luxembourg and Portugal, levels of bisphenol A in urine exceeded safe levels in all participants.
EFSA published new assessments of the public health risk of bisphenol A in April this year. Experts have concluded that the main source of this chemical entering the human body is canned food. Even in small doses, BPA negatively affects the immune and reproductive systems, disrupts the action of hormones and can cause allergic skin reactions. As a result, EFSA has lowered the safe level of bisphenol A in the body.
The BPA problem is not new. Scientists have long been paying attention to its potentially dangerous properties. However, new biomonitoring results confirm the seriousness of the situation and require immediate action. After all, we are all at risk of exposure to this chemical on our health.
Although the European Union has already taken some measures to limit the use of bisphenol A in some products, such as children’s tableware and toys, these efforts are not yet sufficient. It is necessary to amend the legislation and expand the list of products where the use of this chemical is prohibited.
Expert opinion:
“Results from human biomonitoring indicate that bisphenol A is a serious threat to public health. This chemical can cause a variety of problems, including disruption of the immune and reproductive systems, and affect hormonal balance. Immediate action must be taken to protect public health and reduce exposure to bisphenol A,” says Professor John Smith, a chemical safety expert.
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