Environmental Health Topics: Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure

Phthalates are man-made chemicals used in soft, flexible plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, and in a variety of personal care products (shampoos, lotions, etc.). Bisphenol A or BPA is a man-made chemical used in hard, polycarbonate plastics and in food can linings to prevent degradation of the metal. Exposure to BPA can occur through the injestion of foods or liquids in contact with BPA-containing materials.

• Packaged food raises levels of bisphenol A: A study illustrated that eliminating the consumption of packaged foods, such as canned soups and vegetables, dramatically lowered levels of bisphenol A by more than 60 percent. Researchers have found that bisphenol A has been linked to many health problems.
• Phthalate and Bisphenol A (pdf): A Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) fact sheet for health care providers on the hazards of phthalate and bisphenol A and recommendations to avoid exposure.
• Phthalate and Bisphenol A For Patients (pdf):  A similar fact sheet for patients to understand the hazards of phthalate and bisphenol A.
• NIEHS Fact Sheet: Bisphenol A
• Tox Town Fact Sheet: Bisphenol A
• Tox Town Fact Sheet (en Espanol): Que es el bisfenol A?