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 focus primarily on the environmental impact of plastic waste. However, a recent study has shed light on a more alarming aspect of plastics: the chemicals used in their production. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound commonly used to make plastics and in food packaging, has been found to have a profound impact on the development of males and females, even in small amounts. According to a study published in the journal Communications Medicine, exposure to BPA before birth can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system.
The study’s findings are based on experiments conducted on mice, where the researchers exposed the animals to small amounts of BPA during pregnancy. The results showed that even very low doses of BPA changed how the genes were expressed, leading to significant changes in the development of the offspring. Specifically, the study found that females were masculinised, while males were feminised. This means that the females developed characteristics that are typically associated with males, while the males developed characteristics that are typically associated with females.
The study’s first author noted that the changes were not just limited to the physical characteristics of the animals, but also affected their metabolism and immune system. The researchers found that the exposure to BPA altered the way the animals’ bodies processed glucose and fat, leading to changes in their metabolic profiles. Additionally, the study found that the immune system of the animals was also affected, with changes in the way their bodies responded to infections.
The implications of these findings are significant, as they suggest that exposure to BPA during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the development of the offspring. The study’s authors note that the changes they observed were not just limited to the animals, but could also be relevant to humans. This is because BPA is a common chemical used in the production of plastics and food packaging, and humans are often exposed to it through their diet and environment.
The study’s findings are particularly concerning, given the widespread use of BPA in everyday products. BPA is commonly used in the production of plastics, including water bottles, food containers, and other packaging materials. It is also used in the lining of food cans and in some paper products, such as receipts and tickets. This means that humans are often exposed to BPA through their diet and environment, and the study’s findings suggest that even small amounts of the chemical can have significant effects on development.
The study’s authors note that the effects of BPA on development are likely to be complex and multifaceted. They suggest that the chemical may interfere with the normal functioning of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, which play a critical role in the development of males and females. The researchers also note that the effects of BPA may be influenced by a range of factors, including the dose and duration of exposure, as well as the individual’s genetic background.
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policy, as they suggest that exposure to BPA during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the development of the offspring. The study’s authors note that reducing exposure to BPA is likely to be an effective way to prevent these effects, and they recommend that pregnant women take steps to minimize their exposure to the chemical. This could include avoiding foods and drinks that are packaged in plastics, as well as avoiding products that contain BPA.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a significant concern, as they suggest that exposure to BPA during pregnancy can have profound effects on the development of males and females. The study’s authors note that the effects of BPA are likely to be complex and multifaceted, and that reducing exposure to the chemical is likely to be an effective way to prevent these effects. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the risks associated with plastics, it is clear that more needs to be done to reduce our reliance on these chemicals and to protect public health.
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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