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 the 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, particularly when exposed to small amounts before birth.
The study, which aimed to investigate the impact of BPA on metabolism and the immune system, found that even very low doses of the chemical can cause sex-specific changes in these systems. The researchers discovered that exposure to BPA before birth can lead to changes in the way genes are expressed, resulting in females becoming masculinised and males becoming feminised.
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 is significant, as it suggests that BPA exposure can have a profound impact on the development of an individual’s sex-specific characteristics.
BPA is a chemical compound commonly used to make plastics and is often found in food packaging, water bottles, and other consumer products. It has been shown to leach into food and water, particularly when heated, and can be ingested by humans. While the effects of BPA on human health have been studied extensively, the current research provides new insights into the chemical’s impact on the development of males and females.
The study’s findings are based on experiments conducted on mice, which were exposed to small amounts of BPA before birth. The researchers then analyzed the mice’s metabolism and immune system, looking for any changes that may have occurred as a result of BPA exposure. The results showed that BPA exposure led to changes in the way genes were expressed, resulting in sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system.
The implications of this study are significant, as they suggest that exposure to BPA before birth can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and development. The study’s authors note that the changes observed in the mice may be relevant to humans, particularly in terms of the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure.
The study’s findings are also consistent with previous research on the effects of BPA on human health. For example, studies have shown that exposure to BPA has been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, cancer, and neurological disorders. The current study provides new evidence of the chemical’s impact on human development, particularly in terms of sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system.
In light of these findings, it is essential to take steps to reduce exposure to BPA, particularly for pregnant women and young children. This can be achieved by avoiding products that contain BPA, such as plastics and food packaging, and opting for alternative products that are BPA-free.
Furthermore, policymakers and regulatory agencies must take action to limit the use of BPA in consumer products and ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for the safety of their products. The study’s authors note that the European Union has already taken steps to restrict the use of BPA in certain products, and similar measures should be taken in other countries to protect public health.
In conclusion, the study’s findings provide new evidence of the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure, particularly in terms of sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system. The study’s authors note that further research is needed to fully understand the effects of BPA on human health, but the current findings provide a clear warning about the potential dangers of this chemical.
As consumers, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with BPA and take steps to reduce our exposure to this chemical. By choosing BPA-free products and supporting policymakers who prioritize public health, we can help to mitigate the risks associated with BPA exposure and protect the health and well-being 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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