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 among researchers and health experts. 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, and the findings are alarming.
The study, which examined the impact of BPA on mice before birth, found that small amounts of the chemical 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 means that males exposed to BPA before birth may develop characteristics that are typically associated with females, and vice versa.
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 suggests that the effects of BPA on development are not just limited to high doses, but can occur even at very low levels of exposure. The implications of this finding are significant, as it suggests that exposure to BPA during critical periods of development can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and physiology.
BPA is a chemical compound that is commonly used in the production of plastics and epoxy resins. It is widely used in food packaging, water bottles, and other consumer products. The chemical has been shown to leach into food and water, particularly when heated, and can be absorbed by the body. BPA has been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, cancer, and neurological disorders.
The new study provides evidence that BPA can affect the development of males and females in different ways. The researchers found that BPA exposure before birth altered the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the immune system, leading to changes in the development of these systems. In males, BPA exposure was associated with decreased testosterone levels and changes in the development of the reproductive system. In females, BPA exposure was associated with increased testosterone levels and changes in the development of the reproductive system.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health. Exposure to BPA is widespread, and the chemical has been detected in the bodies of people all over the world. The fact that even low doses of BPA can cause sex-specific changes in development suggests that current regulations on BPA exposure may not be sufficient to protect public health.
The researchers behind the study are calling for further research into the effects of BPA on human development and health. They also recommend that regulatory agencies take a closer look at the current limits on BPA exposure and consider reducing them to protect public health.
In conclusion, the study’s findings provide new evidence of the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure. The fact that even low doses of the chemical can cause sex-specific changes in development is a cause for concern, and highlights the need for further research and regulation of BPA use. As consumers, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to BPA by avoiding products that contain the chemical and choosing alternative products that are BPA-free.
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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