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Plasticizer Substitutes for bisphenol A in plastic bottles are harmful
In the past, various studies have suggested that the chemical softener bisphenol A (BPA) threatens our health. Chinese researchers have now discovered that a substance used as an alternative to BPA is also harmful.
Health hazards due to chemical softeners
The plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA) is considered to be very dangerous because it can damage the nerves and even cause cancer, according to experts. The substance should also have an effect on the hormone balance and could possibly trigger food allergies. In addition, studies suggest a link between increased BPA levels in the blood and diabetes, cardiovascular problems, lack of libido or even obesity. Scientists have now discovered that a supposedly harmless replacer for BPA can also be harmful.
Several studies have shown that bisphenol A (BPA) can damage your health. Researchers have now discovered that even a substitute used in "BPA-free" products can be harmful. (Image: Mita Stock Images / fotolia.com) Bisphenol A in many things of daily life
Bisphenol A is found in many plastic products of daily life such as plastic bottles or the inner coating of food cans.
Only a few months ago, scientists from the Stanford University School of Medicine reported in the journal "Environmental Research" that eating canned foods leads to a high intake of BPA.
Although various studies have shown that the substance can be harmful to health, but according to a statement from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) there is no risk for consumers.
"The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a new opinion in January 2015 assessing the health risks of bisphenol A (BPA) in food and other sources of exposure," the statement said.
"EFSA's experts conclude that, according to the current state of science and current consumer exposure, BPA poses no health risk to any age group. This also applies to unborn children, toddlers and adolescents. "The BfR supports the assessment of the EFSA revaluation.
Fewer offspring born alive
In some countries, the use of the chemical is regulated. Often substitutes are used instead and the products then advertised as "BPA-free". However, according to a new study, these can also have problematic effects.
As the researchers from Peking University in the journal "Nature Communications" report, the substitute has 9,9-bis (4-hydroxy-phenyl) -fluorene, BHPF short, unlike BPA an anti-estrogenic effect in mice.
According to the study BHPF led in mice experiments among other things to a slightly lower weight of the uterus and to a lower number of live born offspring, reports the "Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung" (DAZ).
According to the data, BHPF could be detected in the blood of female mice that were given water previously heated to 60 degrees Celsius and cooled in plastic bottles.
Evidence also in test persons
Although BHPF was also detected in the blood of subjects drinking water from plastic bottles on a regular basis, only seven out of 100 participants tested.
In addition, it is unclear whether the subjects actually took BHPF over the bottles, or by other means.
"Our findings suggest that BPA alternatives should be screened for anti-estrogenic effects - and that toxicological effects of BHPF on human health must be assessed," said environmental chemist Jianying Hu of Beijing University.
Frederick of the Hall of the University of Missouri (USA) said in a post by the "New Scientist" portal that it was "quite scary" for BHPF to bind to the same receptor in humans. This could cause "fertility problems". (Ad)