5 years ago
A recently published review of the carcinogenic properties of the plasticiser bisphenol A (BPA) recommends it should be classified as a human carcinogen.
The review, published in the journal Reproductive toxicology, considered published studies which examined the effects of BPA treatment in in vivo mammalian models. They found substantial evidence that early-life BPA exposures increased susceptibility to mammary and prostate cancers.
BPA is used in polycarbonate plastic food and drink packaging and in epoxy resins that line some metal cans of food and drink. It is also used in thermal receipt paper. It can rub off on hands, leach into food and drink contents [ii] and is dermally absorbed through the skin. There is a significant amount of scientific evidence that shows even low level exposure to BPA has an adverse effect on the development of breast tissue.
Breast Cancer UK has long called for a ban on the use of BPA in food and drinks packaging, based on evidence that it has been found to have an adverse effect on the developing mammary gland. A recent EFSA review of the chemical concluded that current levels of exposure to BPA were safe, despite acknowledging its potentially adverse effect on breast tissue. This latest review supports our concerns that BPA is unsafe at even very low levels of exposures and reaffirms the need to remove the chemical from food and drinks packaging.
Read the full report here: A Review of the Carcinogenic Potential of Bisphenol A. Reproductive Toxicology
References:
Seachrist, D. D. et al. (2015). A Review of the Carcinogenic Potential of Bisphenol A. Reproductive Toxicology. Available online 19 October 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Seachrist+bisphenol
[ii] Brotons, J. A, et al. (1995). Xenoestrogens released from lacquer coatings in food cans. Environmental Health Perspectives 103(6): 608-612.
30 March 2021
To celebrate Pesticide Action Week, Dr Robin Mesnage, a Research Associate at Kings College and member of Breast Cancer UK's Scientific Review Panel investigates the links between pesticides and breast...
Read full story1 October 2020
It’s the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Traditionally a month for us to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention. But it’s been a tough year. For us as a...
Read full story25 September 2020
Breast Cancer UK joins with more than 300 charities calling on the Government to temporarily increase the level of Gift Aid from 20% to 25%. Breast Cancer UK, along with...
Read full story10 August 2020
Jacob Hewson is today putting his heels to the test in a gruelling 100 mile cycle for Breast Cancer UK. Help him smash his £1k sponsor target and contribute to...
Read full story
A donation of just £10 can help us reach out to new mums with educational information and guidance on how they can protect the future health of their children.
New easy way for you to donate to Breast Cancer UK:
Donate £5 please text BCUK001 to 70970
