Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The world of plastics has been a topic of concern for many years, with the effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health being a major area of study. One chemical compound, in particular, has been under scrutiny – Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a chemical commonly used to make plastics and is also found in food packaging. A recent study published in the journal Communications Medicine has shed new light on the effects of BPA on human health, particularly in the context of fetal development.
The study, which was conducted on mice, found that small amounts of BPA exposure before birth can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system. The researchers discovered that even very low doses of BPA changed how genes were expressed, leading to feminization of males and masculinization of females. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the impact of BPA on human health, particularly in the context of fetal development.
The Study’s Findings
The study’s first author noted that the effects of BPA on gene expression were evident even at very low doses. The researchers found that female mice exposed to BPA before birth exhibited changes in their metabolism and immune system that were more typical of males. Conversely, male mice exposed to BPA before birth showed changes in their metabolism and immune system that were more typical of females.
These changes were not limited to the mice’s physical characteristics but also extended to their behavior. The study found that female mice exposed to BPA before birth were more aggressive and exhibited more male-like behavior, while male mice exposed to BPA before birth were more submissive and exhibited more female-like behavior.
The Implications of the Study
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of the impact of BPA on human health. BPA is a common chemical found in many everyday products, including plastics, food packaging, and even some dental materials. The fact that even very low doses of BPA can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system raises concerns about the potential effects of BPA on human health.
The study’s authors note that the effects of BPA on human health are likely to be more complex and nuanced than those observed in mice. However, the study’s findings suggest that BPA exposure before birth may have significant effects on human development, particularly in the context of fetal development.
The Role of BPA in Plastics and Food Packaging
BPA is a chemical compound that is commonly used to make plastics and is also found in food packaging. It is used to harden plastics and to make them more durable. However, BPA can leach into food and water, particularly when plastics are heated or damaged.
The use of BPA in food packaging has been a topic of controversy in recent years, with some countries banning its use in certain products. The European Union, for example, has banned the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups.
Reducing Exposure to BPA
Given the potential health effects of BPA, it is essential to reduce exposure to this chemical. There are several ways to minimize exposure to BPA, including:
- Avoiding plastics that contain BPA, such as polycarbonate plastics
- Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic
- Avoiding heating food in plastic containers
- Choosing BPA-free products, such as baby bottles and sippy cups
- Supporting policies that restrict the use of BPA in food packaging
Conclusion
The study’s findings on the effects of BPA on metabolism and the immune system are a significant concern for human health. The fact that even very low doses of BPA can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system raises concerns about the potential effects of BPA on human development, particularly in the context of fetal development.
As we continue to learn more about the effects of BPA on human health, it is essential to take steps to reduce exposure to this chemical. By making informed choices about the products we use and supporting policies that restrict the use of BPA in food packaging, we can minimize our exposure to this potentially harmful chemical.
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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