Common chemical used in plastics can feminise males & masculinise females, study finds
The world of plastics has become an integral part of our daily lives, from the bottles we drink from to the packaging of our food. However, a recent study has shed light on a disturbing consequence of exposure to a common chemical used in the production of plastics. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound commonly used to make plastics and in food packaging, has been found to cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and the immune system when exposed to small amounts before birth.
The study, published in the journal Communications Medicine, revealed that even very low doses of BPA can alter the expression of genes, leading to feminization of males and masculinization of females. This groundbreaking research has significant implications for our understanding of the impact of environmental chemicals on human health and development.
BPA is a widely used chemical in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is commonly found in food packaging, water bottles, and other consumer products. While the use of BPA has been phased out in some countries due to concerns over its safety, it is still widely used in many parts of the world.
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 suggests that exposure to BPA during critical periods of development, such as before birth, can have a profound impact on the formation of sex-specific traits and characteristics.
The research team used a mouse model to investigate the effects of BPA on fetal development. They found that exposure to low doses of BPA during pregnancy altered the expression of genes involved in metabolism and immune function. These changes were sex-specific, with females exhibiting increased expression of genes typically associated with males, and vice versa.
The implications of this study are far-reaching. The findings suggest that exposure to BPA during pregnancy may contribute to the development of sex-specific diseases and disorders later in life. For example, feminization of males may increase the risk of reproductive problems, such as low sperm count or infertility. Similarly, masculinization of females may increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The study’s authors emphasize the importance of reducing exposure to BPA, particularly during pregnancy. They recommend avoiding the use of plastics that contain BPA, such as water bottles and food packaging, and opting for alternative products that are BPA-free.
This research also highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of environmental chemicals on human health and development. The study’s authors note that BPA is just one of many chemicals that have been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive problems. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of these chemicals on human health and to develop effective strategies for reducing exposure.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a wake-up call for the need to reduce our exposure to BPA and other environmental chemicals. The fact that even very low doses of BPA can cause sex-specific changes in metabolism and immune function is a disturbing reminder of the potential risks associated with the use of these chemicals. As consumers, we can take steps to reduce our exposure to BPA by choosing BPA-free products and avoiding plastics that contain this chemical. However, it is also essential that policymakers and manufacturers take action to reduce the use of BPA and other environmental chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects.
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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