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 alike, with the effects of plastic pollution and the chemicals used in their production being a major focus of research. One such chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), has been commonly used in the production of plastics and food packaging, and has been found to have significant effects on human health. A recent study published in the journal Communications Medicine has shed new light on the impact of BPA on human development, particularly in the context of sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system.
The study, which was conducted on mice, found that exposure to small amounts of BPA before birth can cause significant changes in the development of males and females. According to the study’s first author, “Even very low doses changed how the genes were expressed. Females were masculinised and males were feminised.” This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the effects of BPA on human health, particularly in the context of reproductive development.
BPA is a chemical compound that is widely used in the production of plastics, including water bottles, food packaging, and other consumer products. It is also used in the lining of food cans and in some dental materials. BPA has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it can interfere with the body’s hormonal system and cause a range of health problems. Exposure to BPA has been linked to a range of health issues, including reproductive problems, cancer, and neurological disorders.
The study found that exposure to BPA before birth can cause changes in the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the immune system. In females, this led to a masculinisation of the immune system, with increased expression of genes involved in inflammation and immune response. In males, exposure to BPA led to a feminisation of the immune system, with decreased expression of genes involved in inflammation and immune response.
These changes were found to be dose-dependent, with even very low doses of BPA causing significant changes in gene expression. The study’s authors note that this is particularly concerning, as it suggests that exposure to BPA at levels that are currently considered safe may still have significant effects on human health.
The implications of this study are significant, particularly in the context of reproductive health. The findings suggest that exposure to BPA before birth can cause changes in the development of males and females, leading to a range of health problems later in life. This has significant implications for pregnant women, who may be exposed to BPA through food packaging, water bottles, and other consumer products.
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 them whenever possible. This includes choosing products that are labeled as “BPA-free” and avoiding the use of plastics that contain BPA. Pregnant women can also take steps to reduce their exposure to BPA by eating a healthy diet, avoiding canned foods, and using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.
The study’s findings also have significant implications for policy makers, who must consider the effects of BPA on human health when developing regulations around the use of this chemical. The study’s authors note that current regulations around BPA are inadequate, and that more needs to be done to protect human health.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a significant concern for human health, particularly in the context of reproductive development. The fact that even very low doses of BPA can cause significant changes in gene expression and lead to sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system is a wake-up call for all of us. By being aware of the products that contain BPA and taking steps to reduce our exposure, we can help to protect our health and the health 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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