Environmental Issues

Section One
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has a structure that is highly similar to the female-specific reproductive hormone, estrogen.  BPA has been employed since the 1950 s as an additive to most containers that are used on a daily basis, including drink cans and plastic containers such as water bottles, baby bottles and food storage containers.  This chemical was mainly used to harden clear plastic materials, resulting in sturdy containers that could be reused by consumers.  The features of BPA were much appreciated then that it was also included in the manufacture of plastic toys, sunglasses and compact discs.  In the dental field, BPA is also employed in the preparation of dental fillings and sealants.

In 1982, the National Toxicology Program of the Environmental Protection Agency released a report that exposure of rats and mice to BPA resulted in the development of cancer (NTP, 1982).  It was shown that BPA was leached from plastic water and food containers and would diffuse into the packaged food or drink (Howdeshell et al., 2003).  Once the food item contaminated with BPA is consumed, the cells of the digestive tract further absorb the chemical during digestion.  The amount of BPA released from these containers is influenced by its age, as well as the wear and tear of the plastic from frequent washing with detergents and hot water (Vlkel et al., 2005).

Active toxicological research was thus performed in several research laboratories to further investigate the effects of BPA on specific tissues of the body, mostly using test animal models.  It was then reported that once BPA has gained entry into cells and various cellular organelles, a number of biochemical, physiologic, reproductive and genetic processes, are disrupted.  By 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 95 of the society of the United States now carries detectable levels of this chemical, mainly through absorption from the environment (Calafat et al., 2008).  This year, the Environmental Protection Agency released a comprehensive report on BPA, including in minimum allowable levels in the environment (EPA, 2010).  Despite this massive action against BPA, a recent report indicated that contrary to the widespread claim that BPA is toxic and harmful, no developmental neurological defects were observed in mouse pups whose mothers were treated with EPA-standard BPA levels during the entire pregnancy.  This report thus questions the widespread claim that BPA affects the development of the fetus as it disrupts the processes of the reproductive system.

Section Two
Exposure to BPA is a chronic environmental threat because is it involves repeated exposure to the chemical through different means.  In the case of BPA, exposure generally occurs on a daily basis because this chemical is present in almost every material that society uses.  For example, plastic materials such as food containers, water bottles and even disposable plastic spoons and forks may contain BPA as a hardener.  In addition, BPA is a systemic threat because it is capable of entering and disrupting cellular processes of various species, including humans, mice and rats.  It would thus be interesting to determine whether BPA also affects invertebrates and plants.  It is highly likely that BPA will be released in sufficient amounts to do serious harm because this chemical is largely present in almost all plastic materials that are frequently used.  BPA is leached out of plastic containers through frequent washing with detergents and hot water.

A number of severe consequences are associated to the potential exposure to BPA.  Animal studies have shown that BPA exposure disrupts fetal development, affecting the genes and other cellular processes that are much needed for healthy offspring.  To date, there are reports that associated BPA exposure to abnormalities in the reproductive and urinary system, as well as the development of cancer.  It is thus important to inform the general public of this chemical threat, providing information on its presence in the environment, as well as its possible harmful effects.  The entire human population is threatened by BPA exposure and it highly likely that other plants and animals could be affected as this chemical is leached out into the environment.  Unfortunately, there are no effective remedial actions to BPA exposure, as its use and control are linked to manufacturers of plastic containers and other materials.  Current efforts focus on determining the levels in various tissues of the body, as well as its effects in other body systems.

Section Three
In order to determine what environmental chemical threat I might have contributed to BPA exposure, I will critically assess the extent and frequency of my use of plastic materials, from water bottles, food containers to plastic utilities.  This may assist in estimating my exposure to BPA, as well as calculate how much BPA I have released to the environment by frequent washing of reusable plastic materials.  It should be understood that BPA is used as a hardener for plastic containers and thus any of the sturdy food containers in the kitchen may contain this chemical.  I frequently use these plastic containers for storing food and since these containers have been in use for several years, it is possible that some BPA have already been leached out during washes.

On a personal setting, I can help in decreasing the amount of BPA exposure and contamination of the environment by actively screening the food containers I use.  I will replace any of the old plastic food containers because old and scratched surfaces of plastic containers are the first indicators of leaching out of BPA.  In exchange, I will buy food containers that are made from either glass or porcelain.  I generally bring plastic forks, spoons and knives to school, together with my packed lunch.  Now that I am aware of BPA and its chemical threat to the ecosystem, I will instead bring steel forks, spoons and knives to eat my packed lunch.

It would also be helpful if government agencies would actively spread the information on BPA and its harmful effects to human beings.  In addition, manufacturers should also take measures in decreasing or ultimately substituting the use of BPA in their production of plastic materials and containers.  There should also be non-government agencies that should be actively campaigning for a change in our lifestyles and going back to the basics and this included minimizing the use of plastic containers and other materials.

Section four
BPA is a chemical additive that is commonly present in most plastic materials that are used on a daily basis.  It has now been determined that BPA is leached out of these plastic materials thus contaminate the food and drink that was stored in these containers.  Humans are usually exposed to BPA through consumption of contaminated food or drink.  Research studies have recently indicated that this reagent is responsible for disrupting fetal development, as well as affecting other physiological processes of the body.  It is important that the society understands the existence and the harmful effects of BPA and takes precautionary measures in preventing further harm to the environment.