Bisphenol - A

Bisphenol - A

Introduction

Bisphenol A more commonly known as BPA with a chemical formula of (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2 is an organic compound. BPA is in the group of bisphenols which consist of chemical compounds that have two hydro xyphenyl functions. BPA is a colorless compound which has a soluble nature among other organic solvents. However, BPA is very poorly soluble in water. Since BPA has more than one phenol functional groups, it is mostly utilized to create epoxy resins and polycarbonate polymers as well as collaborated with several other materials to form plastics. The Vapor pressure of BPA is 5x10e-6 Pa.

Discussion

Bisphenol A shows many hormone similar properties that create great concern regarding the suitability of BPA in products and food items. In the early 2008 many governments very concerned regarding the safety of BPA. This also prompted many retailers around the globe to halt any products that were considered polycarbonate. A report came out in the year 2010 by the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) that showed many hazards by BPA to the children, infants and fetuses. In the same year, Canada was the first country ever to declare that BPA was a toxic compound. Since then, the use of BPA has been banned in the creation of baby bottles in America, Canada and the European Union.

Chemical structure of Bisphenol A (C15H16 O2; Molecular Weight 228.29)

Usage of BPA

BPA is most commonly used to make plastics. The products that use BPA consisting plastics are being used ever since 1957. The annual use of BPA is more than three million tons. BPA is said to be the main monomer in the creation of epoxy resins also and most usually form of the polycarbonate plastic products. The BPA reacts with phosgene to create polycarbonate in biphasic conditions. Other than phosgene, biphenyl carbonate is also used with BPA. In case of biphenyl carbonate the toxicity of phosgene is prevent.

The polycarbonate plastic, that is considered to be shatter proof and clear is utilized to create a number of common products which include water and baby bottles, dental and medical devices, sealants, household electronics, DVDs / CDs and sports equipment. BPA is also used as an antioxidant in the synthesis of polyether ketones and polysulfones for plasticizers and PVC. BPA which is also found in Epoxy resins is used for coating the inside of all food containers (cans). Due to the health concern many countries are now replacing epoxy coating with PET film. BPA is also the originator to tetra bromo Bisphenol. Formerly is also used as a fungicide. BPA is also a favored developer of color in thermal and copy colorless papers. BPA is also used in casting and lining of water pipes.

Debate regarding BPA

FDA has approved the usage of BPA in packaging of food by many thorough testing processes and ensured that the products are safe for every consumer. The regulatory agencies that are responsible for the safety of food in Australia and Europe have also concluded the same ...