Bisphenol A
Other names: BPA
Harm score: 5 (Dangerous substances)
Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is an organic compound that can be found in many commonly used products. This chemical can be considered one of the main building blocks of polycarbonates and epoxy resins, which are further widely used in industry. BPA is the basis for the manufacture of many types of plastics and resins and is used in a number of consumer products such as beverage cups, sports equipment, CDs, DVDs and more. It is also found in some medical and dental equipment. It is therefore evident that it can be a ubiquitous element in our daily lives.
However, Bisphenol A is also the subject of controversy among scientists and the scientific community, as it has been shown that its presence can have health effects, especially for children and pregnant women. This chemical is actually an endocrine disruptor that mimics oestrogen and can thus upset the hormonal balance in the body. While some studies have shown the negative health effects of BPA, other studies have not confirmed this. Regardless of these controversies, however, more and more products labeled "BPA-free" have been appearing in recent years as an industry response to consumer concerns and government regulation. This trend is also evident in the Czech Republic, where, for example, a ban on the use of BPA in children's drinking bottles has been in place since 2011.