Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The use of plastics has become an integral part of our daily lives, from food packaging to water bottles, and even in medical equipment. However, a recent study has raised concerns about the impact of a common chemical used in plastics on human health, particularly on the development of males and females. The study, published in the journal Communications Medicine, has found that small amounts of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound commonly used to make plastics, can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system when exposure occurs before birth.
BPA is a widely used chemical that is found in many plastic products, including food packaging, water bottles, and even in some medical equipment. It is known to be an endocrine disruptor, which means that it can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. The study’s findings suggest that even very low doses of BPA can have a significant impact on the development of males and females, causing changes in gene expression that can lead to feminization of males and masculinization of females.
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 is a significant finding, as it suggests that exposure to BPA before birth can have a profound impact on the development of the reproductive system and the immune system. The study’s authors used a mouse model to examine the effects of BPA on the development of males and females, and found that exposure to BPA before birth led to changes in the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the immune system.
The study’s findings have significant implications for human health, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn babies. The study’s authors note that BPA is a common contaminant of food and water, and that exposure to BPA is widespread. The study’s findings suggest that even low levels of BPA exposure can have a significant impact on the development of the fetus, and that this exposure can lead to changes in the reproductive system and the immune system that can persist into adulthood.
The study’s authors also note that the effects of BPA on the development of males and females are sex-specific, meaning that males and females are affected differently by exposure to BPA. The study found that females exposed to BPA before birth were more likely to experience changes in gene expression that led to masculinization, while males exposed to BPA before birth were more likely to experience changes in gene expression that led to feminization.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has shown that BPA can have a range of negative effects on human health, including increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental problems. The study’s authors note that the findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of BPA on human health, and for policies to reduce exposure to BPA, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
In conclusion, the study’s findings suggest that exposure to BPA before birth can have a significant impact on the development of males and females, leading to changes in gene expression that can cause feminization of males and masculinization of females. The study’s authors note that the effects of BPA on the development of the reproductive system and the immune system can persist into adulthood, and that the findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of BPA on human health.
As consumers, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to BPA, such as avoiding food and water packaged in plastic, using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic, and choosing products that are labeled as BPA-free. Additionally, policymakers can take steps to reduce exposure to BPA, such as banning the use of BPA in food packaging and requiring manufacturers to label products that contain BPA.
Overall, the study’s findings highlight the need for further research into the effects of BPA on human health, and for policies to reduce exposure to BPA, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn babies. By taking steps to reduce our exposure to BPA, we can help to protect our health and the health 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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