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INVISIBLE OVERLOAD > BPA
BPA
How Does a Plastic Chemical Imitate a Hormone?
BPA (short for Bisphenol A) is a chemical found in everyday plastics—like water bottles, food containers, and even the linings of metal cans. What makes BPA so concerning is that it can mimic the hormone estrogen in the human body.
How? Its molecular shape is close enough to estrogen that it can "fit" into estrogen receptors in our cells—like a copycat key slipping into a lock. When this happens, BPA can disrupt normal hormone function, sending the wrong signals or blocking the right ones.
That’s why BPA is called an endocrine disruptor—it confuses the body’s messaging system and can lead to a wide range of health effects over time.
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Its molecular shape is close enough to estrogen that it can "fit" into estrogen receptors in our cells.
BPA Exposure May Impact Heart and Metabolic Health
Even low levels of BPA have been linked to heart and metabolic issues. Studies show it may raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, insulin resistance, and even weight gain.
Because BPA acts like a hormone, it can alter how your body regulates blood sugar, fat storage, and blood pressure — all key factors in heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
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Fertility Frustrations?
Because BPA can mimic estrogen, it may disrupt normal reproductive hormones. In women, studies have found that BPA exposure can affect egg development and ovulation, potentially contributing to infertility​. In men, high levels of BPA exposure (for example, in certain workplaces) have been linked to reduced fertility and sexual function – such as a higher risk of erectile dysfunction and lowered sexual desire​.
Protecting Baby’s Brain Starts Early
BPA is especially concerning during pregnancy and early childhood. Exposure in the womb or as a young child can affect how the brain develops.
Animal studies show BPA can interfere with brain structure and hormone signaling, especially estrogen. These changes may show up later as behavior differences — like increased anxiety or trouble with focus.
Even low levels of BPA, once thought to be safe, could still impact brain development and behavior in kids.
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From Cans to Receipts: Everyday Sources of BPA
RESEARCH YOU CAN CHECK
BPA, Endocrine Disruption, and Related Health Concerns PubMed – An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21605673/ ScienceDirect – Endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A exposure and recent advances https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227619306969 ScienceDirect – Bisphenol A (BPA) and neurological disorders: An overview https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1357272524001067 National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Bisphenol A in Thermal Paper Receipts: An Opportunity for Risk Reduction https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3261950/ European Environment Agency (EEA) – Human exposure to Bisphenol A in Europe https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/peoples-exposure-to-bisphenol-a Medical News Today – Bisphenol A: Hazards and sources https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/221205 Wikipedia – Health effects of Bisphenol A https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_Bisphenol_A European Environment Agency / Human exposure to Bisphenol A in Europe Mayo Clinic / What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA? State of New Jersey / BPA - Bisphenol A - possible effects during fetal development or on newborns NIH / Bisphenol A exposure and children's behavior: A systematic review EWG / BPA Coats Cash Register Receipts NIH / Concern about the Safety of Bisphenol A Substitutes Proposition / Bisphenol A (BPA) in Canned and Bottled Food and Drinks U OF M School of Public Health / Exposure to PFAS chemicals doubles the odds of a prior cancer diagnosis in women