Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The world of plastics has been a topic of discussion for many years, with concerns over its impact on the environment and human health. One chemical compound, in particular, has been under scrutiny: Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a common chemical used to make plastics and is often found in food packaging. A recent study published in the journal Communications Medicine has shed new light on the effects of BPA on human development, and the results are startling.
The study found that small amounts of BPA, even at very low doses, can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system before birth. This means that exposure to BPA in the womb can have a significant impact on the development of a fetus, leading to changes in the way their genes are expressed. According to the study’s first author, “Even very low doses changed how the genes were expressed. Females were masculinised and males were feminised.”
To understand the implications of this study, let’s take a closer look at BPA and its uses. BPA is a synthetic chemical that has been used in the production of plastics since the 1950s. It is commonly found in food packaging, water bottles, and other consumer products. BPA is also used in the lining of food cans and in dental sealants. The chemical has been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological problems.
The study in question used a mouse model to examine the effects of BPA on fetal development. The researchers found that exposure to BPA in the womb led to changes in the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the immune system. These changes were sex-specific, meaning that they affected males and females in different ways. Female mice that were exposed to BPA in the womb showed increased levels of testosterone, a male sex hormone, while male mice showed decreased levels of testosterone.
The implications of this study are significant. If BPA can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system, it could have a range of effects on human health. For example, exposure to BPA in the womb could lead to changes in the way that children develop, potentially affecting their reproductive health and increasing their risk of certain diseases. The study’s findings also suggest that BPA could be contributing to the increasing incidence of reproductive problems, such as infertility and birth defects.
So, what can we do to protect ourselves from the effects of BPA? The first step is to reduce our exposure to BPA-containing products. This can be done by avoiding the use of plastics, especially those that are used for food and drink. We can also choose products that are labeled as “BPA-free” and opt for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic. Additionally, we can support policies that limit the use of BPA in consumer products and promote the development of safer alternatives.
The study’s findings also highlight the need for further research into the effects of BPA on human health. While the study provides valuable insights into the effects of BPA on fetal development, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of BPA exposure. This includes studies on the effects of BPA on human health, as well as research into the development of safer alternatives to BPA.
In conclusion, the study published in Communications Medicine provides important new evidence of the effects of BPA on human development. The findings suggest that exposure to BPA in the womb can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system, leading to changes in the way that genes are expressed. While the implications of this study are significant, there are steps that we can take to reduce our exposure to BPA and protect our health. By choosing BPA-free products, supporting policies that limit the use of BPA, and promoting further research into the effects of BPA, we can work towards a healthier and safer future.
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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