New Review from TEDX: Common substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) are hormonally active

In a systematic review published today in Environmental Health Perspectives, TEDX researchers Johanna Rochester and Ashley Bolden found that bisphenol S and bisphenol F, two common BPA substitutes, have estrogen, androgen and other hormonal activity, with potencies similar to BPA. Further, BPS was just as potent as natural estrogen (i.e., estradiol) in pathways important for cell growth, cell development, and cell death.

This peer-reviewed publication supports the claim that chemical replacements should be tested for safety before being placed on the market to avoid the problem of “regrettable substitutes.” It has taken years, and millions of dollars, to accumulate the body of literature on the detrimental effects of BPA. Instead of repeating this process for BPS and BPF, effort could be better spent designing and manufacturing chemical substitutes without hormonal activity. Further, regulatory action to reduce BPA exposure should encompass BPF, BPS, and possibly other BPA analogues. Importantly, consumers should know that products labeled “BPA-free” could contain unsafe substitutes.

Download the paper here.

RSVP to hear Dr. Rochester discuss their results on Wednesday March 18, at 1 pm EDT