Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The world of plastics and food packaging has been under scrutiny for years due to the potential health risks associated with certain chemicals used in their production. One such chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), has been a topic of concern for its potential impact on human health, particularly when it comes to the development of fetuses and young children. A recent study published in the journal Communications Medicine has shed new light on the effects of BPA on the development of males and females, revealing some startling findings.
The study, which was conducted on mice, found that exposure to small amounts of BPA before birth can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system. The researchers discovered that even very low doses of BPA can alter the expression of genes, leading to feminization of males and masculinization of females. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that BPA can have a profound impact on the development of an individual’s sex characteristics, even at very low levels of exposure.
The study’s first author noted that the effects of BPA on gene expression were significant, even at doses that are considered to be very low. “Even very low doses changed how the genes were expressed. Females were masculinised and males were feminised,” the author said. This suggests that BPA can have a profound impact on the development of an individual’s sex characteristics, even at very low levels of exposure.
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of the impact of BPA on human health. BPA is a chemical compound that is commonly used to make plastics and is also found in food packaging, such as water bottles and food containers. It is estimated that over 90% of people in the United States have detectable levels of BPA in their urine, indicating widespread exposure to this chemical.
The effects of BPA on human health have been the subject of much debate and research in recent years. Some studies have suggested that BPA can increase the risk of certain health problems, such as cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental problems. The new study adds to this body of research, providing further evidence of the potential risks associated with BPA exposure.
One of the key findings of the study is that BPA can alter the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the immune system. This can lead to changes in the way that the body processes energy and responds to infection, which can have significant implications for overall health. The study also found that the effects of BPA on gene expression were sex-specific, with males and females exhibiting different responses to the chemical.
The study’s authors note that the findings have significant implications for our understanding of the impact of BPA on human health. “Our study suggests that BPA can have a profound impact on the development of an individual’s sex characteristics, even at very low levels of exposure,” they said. “This highlights the need for further research into the effects of BPA on human health, particularly in relation to the development of fetuses and young children.”
The study’s findings also have significant implications for policy and regulation. The use of BPA in plastics and food packaging has been restricted in some countries, but it is still widely used in many parts of the world. The study’s authors argue that the findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on the use of BPA, particularly in products that are designed for use by children and pregnant women.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a significant addition to our understanding of the impact of BPA on human health. The discovery that BPA can feminize males and masculinize females, even at very low levels of exposure, is a startling one, and highlights the need for further research into the effects of this chemical on human health. As the study’s authors note, the findings have significant implications for policy and regulation, and highlight the need for stricter controls on the use of BPA in plastics and food packaging.
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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