Toxic Effects of Bisphenols: A Special Focus on Bisphenol A and Its Regulations

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), which is an abundant chemical in the environment, is suggested to cause different toxic effects, including endocrine disruption, reprotoxicity, developmental toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Due to these effects, regulatory authorities have restricted the use of BPA in different consumer products, particularly in products used by children. These restrictions have led to researchers and plastic industry to find new and safer alternatives. Today, bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are highly used although their toxic effects are less known. In the past years, several studies showed that these derivatives might also act as endocrine disruptors and cause toxic effects. BPA is a substance that is carefully monitored by regulatory agencies, and toxicological data are evaluated regularly. The alternatives, such as BPF and BPS, should also be monitored, and the regulations concerning their use in consumer products must be implemented soon. The increase in the number of studies on BPA and different bisphenols is very important in terms of obtaining new toxicological data and guiding regulatory institutions. This chapter will mainly focus on BPA, its toxicity, BPA alternatives, and regulations implemented by different American and European authorities.