Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The world of plastics has been a topic of discussion for years, with concerns over its impact on the environment, human health, and wildlife. One chemical compound that has been under scrutiny is Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly used to make plastics and found in food packaging. A recent study published in the journal Communications Medicine has shed new light on the effects of BPA on human development, and the results are alarming.
According to the study, small amounts of BPA exposure before birth can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system. The research team found that even very low doses of BPA can alter the expression of genes, leading to feminization of males and masculinization of females. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the impact of environmental chemicals on human development and health.
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 statement highlights the profound effects that BPA can have on the development of an individual, particularly during critical periods of growth and development. The fact that low doses of BPA can cause such significant changes raises concerns about the widespread use of this chemical in everyday products.
BPA is a ubiquitous chemical found in many plastics, including water bottles, food containers, and packaging materials. It is also used in the lining of cans and other food packaging to prevent corrosion and extend shelf life. While the use of BPA has been phased out in some countries, it is still widely used in many parts of the world.
The study’s findings suggest that exposure to BPA before birth can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and development. The researchers found that BPA exposure altered the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the immune system, leading to changes in the way the body processes energy and responds to infections. These changes can have significant implications for an individual’s overall health and well-being, particularly during critical periods of development.
One of the most concerning aspects of the study’s findings is the sex-specific nature of the changes caused by BPA exposure. The researchers found that females were masculinized, while males were feminized, suggesting that BPA can disrupt the normal development of sex-specific traits. This disruption can have significant implications for an individual’s reproductive health, as well as their overall development and well-being.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant in light of the widespread use of BPA in everyday products. The fact that low doses of BPA can cause significant changes in gene expression raises concerns about the safety of products that contain this chemical. It also highlights the need for stricter regulations on the use of BPA and other environmental chemicals that can have harmful effects on human health.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of environmental chemicals on human health, particularly during critical periods of development. The study’s findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests that exposure to certain chemicals can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s health and development.
The study’s authors note that the findings have significant implications for public health policy and regulatory decisions. They suggest that the use of BPA and other environmental chemicals should be strictly regulated to minimize exposure, particularly during critical periods of development. They also highlight the need for further research into the effects of BPA and other chemicals on human health and development.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with the use of certain chemicals in everyday products. The fact that low doses of BPA can cause significant changes in gene expression and disrupt normal development highlights the need for stricter regulations and further research into the effects of environmental chemicals on human health. As consumers, it is essential that we are aware of the potential risks associated with the products we use and demand safer alternatives.
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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