Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The world of plastics has been a topic of concern for environmentalists and health experts for decades. From polluting our oceans to contaminating our food, the effects of plastics on our ecosystem and human health are multifaceted. Now, a recent study has shed light on a disturbing phenomenon – the impact of a common chemical used in plastics on the development of males and females. According to research published in the journal Communications Medicine, Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound commonly used to make plastics and in food packaging, can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system, even at very low doses.
The study, which was conducted on mice, found that exposure to BPA before birth can lead to significant changes in the development of males and females. The researchers discovered that females were masculinised, while males were feminised, as a result of BPA exposure. This phenomenon is particularly alarming, as it suggests that even small amounts of BPA can have a profound impact on the development of an individual’s sex-specific characteristics.
The study’s first author noted that “even very low doses changed how the genes were expressed. Females were masculinised and males were feminised.” This statement highlights the significant impact that BPA can have on the development of an individual, even at doses that are considered to be relatively low. The fact that BPA can alter the expression of genes is particularly concerning, as it suggests that the chemical can have a lasting impact on an individual’s health and development.
So, how does BPA affect the development of males and females? The study found that BPA exposure before birth can lead to changes in the metabolism and immune system of males and females. In females, BPA exposure was found to increase the expression of genes associated with masculine characteristics, such as aggression and competitiveness. In contrast, males exposed to BPA were found to have decreased expression of genes associated with masculine characteristics, and increased expression of genes associated with feminine characteristics, such as nurturing and empathy.
These findings are significant, as they suggest that BPA exposure can have a profound impact on the development of an individual’s sex-specific characteristics. The fact that BPA can alter the expression of genes associated with masculine and feminine characteristics is particularly concerning, as it suggests that the chemical can have a lasting impact on an individual’s health and behaviour.
The implications of this study are far-reaching. BPA is a common chemical used in a wide range of products, from plastics and food packaging to water bottles and baby bottles. The fact that BPA can leach into food and water, and be absorbed by the body, means that many people are likely to be exposed to the chemical on a daily basis. This is particularly concerning for pregnant women, as BPA exposure before birth can have a significant impact on the development of their child.
So, what can be done to reduce exposure to BPA? The first step is to be aware of the products that contain BPA, and to avoid using them whenever possible. This includes avoiding plastics and food packaging that contain BPA, and opting for BPA-free alternatives instead. Pregnant women, in particular, should take steps to reduce their exposure to BPA, by avoiding products that contain the chemical and taking steps to minimize their exposure to plastics and food packaging.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with BPA exposure. The fact that BPA can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system, even at very low doses, is a concern that should not be taken lightly. As we move forward, it is essential that we take steps to reduce our exposure to BPA, and to protect the health and development of future generations.
News Source: https://www.uu.se/en/news/2025/2025-10-27-bisphenol-a-causes-sex-specific-changes-in-metabolism-and-the-immune-system
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