Bisphenol A – an Environmental and Human Threat

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical substance primarily used as a plasticizer in food packaging production. Unfortunately, it has become a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. The main route for human exposure is the consumption of contaminated food and beverages. Contamination can occur during the production and transport, or due to unsuitable storage conditions; but most common, the contamination is a result of leaching from the packaging containing BPA. Excess exposure to BPA is associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, various types of cancer, hepatotoxicity, and metabolic and immune function. Literature indicates disrupted endocrine activity and reproductive problems as the main health concerns in humans. The aim of this paper is to review and critically discuss the literature that relates occurrence of BPA in food/beverages and adverse effects on human health, and to point out the most relevant discoveries. So far, BPA has not been found in unprocessed food, which means that it originates from food and beverage packaging, especially from plastic packaging and cans. The migration of BPA from packaging increases during exposure to sunlight and higher temperatures. In addition to food and beverages, people are exposed to BPA through equipment used in medical treatments. Therefore, there is a strong need for better and evidence-based recommendations and regulations related to BPA