Bisphenol S

Description

Bisphenol S: The ‘Safer’ Alternative That Isn’t

For years, the public became increasingly aware of the potential health risks associated with Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous chemical found in plastics, food can linings, and thermal paper receipts. As consumer demand for BPA-free products grew, manufacturers responded by seeking alternatives. One of the most common replacements that emerged was Bisphenol S (BPS). Touted as a safer option, BPS quickly became prevalent, appearing in everything from “BPA-free” water bottles to cash register receipts.

However, a growing body of scientific research is now revealing a troubling truth: BPS may not be the safe alternative we hoped for. In many ways, it appears to be a “regrettable substitution,” carrying many of the same endocrine-disrupting properties that made BPA so concerning.

What is Bisphenol S (BPS)?

Like BPA, BPS is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the bisphenol family. Chemically, it’s very similar to BPA, sharing a core structure that allows it to mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones.

You can find BPS in:

• Thermal paper: The most significant source of BPS exposure for many, found in receipts, tickets, and labels.
• Plastics: Used in some “BPA-free” plastic containers, water bottles, and food packaging.
• Epoxy resins: Coating the inside of some food and beverage cans.
• Personal care products: As a component in certain sunscreens, detergents, and other cosmetics.

The Problem: Echoes of BPA

The primary concern with BPS, much like BPA, is its potential to act as an endocrine disruptor. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the body’s hormone system. Hormones regulate virtually every function in the body, from metabolism and growth to reproduction and mood. Even tiny amounts of EDCs can have significant effects, especially during critical developmental windows (e.g., in utero, infancy, puberty).

Research on BPS suggests a range of potential health concerns, mirroring those linked to BPA:

1. Hormonal Disruption: BPS can bind to estrogen receptors, mimicking the hormone estrogen. It has also been shown to affect thyroid hormones, which are crucial for development and metabolic regulation.
2. Reproductive Health: Studies indicate potential adverse effects on fertility, sperm quality, and reproductive organ development in both males and females.
3. Brain Development and Function: Exposure to BPS during critical developmental periods has been linked to changes in brain structure and function, potentially affecting behavior, learning, and mood.
4. Metabolic Disorders: Some research suggests a link between BPS exposure and increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Early studies hint at possible impacts on heart function and cardiovascular disease risk.

The irony is that BPS was introduced as a solution to BPA concerns. However, its similar chemical structure and documented endocrine-disrupting activity raise serious questions about its safety, leading many scientists to label it a “regrettable substitution.”

How Are We Exposed?

Exposure to BPS is widespread. We absorb it through:

• Skin contact: Handling thermal paper receipts is a major route. BPS is readily absorbed through the skin, especially if hands are wet or oily.
• Ingestion: Leaching from food containers and can linings into food and beverages, or from hand-to-mouth transfer after touching contaminated surfaces.
• Dust inhalation: BPS can be present in household dust.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Exposure?

While completely avoiding BPS is challenging due to its pervasive use, you can take steps to minimize your exposure:

1. Limit Thermal Paper Receipts: Decline paper receipts when possible, opt for email receipts, or use mobile payment. If you must handle them, avoid letting children play with them, don’t crinkle them, and wash your hands immediately afterward.
2. Choose Alternatives to Plastic: Opt for glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or silicone containers for food and beverages, especially when heating.
3. Be Wary of “BPA-Free” Labels: A “BPA-free” label does not automatically mean a product is free of all bisphenols or other harmful chemicals. Look for products specifically labeled “bisphenol-free” or made from known safe materials.
4. Prioritize Fresh, Whole Foods: Reduce your reliance on canned and pre-packaged foods where chemicals can leach into contents.
5. Wash Your Hands Often: Especially before preparing or eating food, to remove any chemicals picked up from surfaces.

The story of BPS serves as a stark reminder that replacing one harmful chemical with a structurally similar one often isn’t a true solution. As scientific understanding evolves, the need for genuinely safe and non-toxic materials in our everyday products becomes increasingly clear, urging both consumers and manufacturers to demand better.