Bisphenol A concentrations
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Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical often used in plastic food containers and bottles, is being tracked at a national level for the first time. In a 2007/2009 survey period, researchers found levels of the chemical in the urine of 91% of Canadians aged 6 to 79. Concentrations were higher in younger age groups, whereas in adults it decreased with age.
Results will be used to track long-term trends similar to the way that exposure to lead and related health data has been tracked over the past 30 years.
The Canadian federal government added BPA to its toxic substances list in October 2010. BPA does not occur naturally, and is used primarily in plastic containers and epoxy resins used to line food and beverage containers and for dental sealants. Exposure occurs mainly through dietary intake, but other sources include drinking water, soil, dust, air and some consumer products.
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