bisphenol A

noun

bis·​phe·​nol A ˌbis-ˈfē-nōl- 

-ˌnȯl-

: an industrial chemical compound C₁₅H₁₆O₂ that is a component especially of hard plastics (such as polycarbonate) and epoxy resins

The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that baby bottles and children's drinking cups could no longer contain bisphenol A, or BPA, an estrogen-mimicking industrial chemical used in some plastic bottles and food packaging.

—Sabrina Tavernise

… faulted federal agencies for reacting too slowly to concerns that children are exposed to bisphenol A, or BPA, through leaching from such items as water bottles, baby bottles and the linings of food and baby formula cans.

—James Hohmann

—abbreviation BPA

Examples of bisphenol A in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many plastics contain bisphenol A and phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors. —Devika Rao, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024

The researchers also tested urine for biomarkers associated with 12 chemicals found in personal-care products as well as in food and plastic, including bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, methyl paraben, propylparaben, butyl paraben, and ethyl paraben. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 14 Aug. 2024

These microplastics contain chemical additives, including substances like phthalates and bisphenol A that can leach out and may have health effects in humans and animals, including effects on the endocrine system. —Judith Weis, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2024

In addition, 79% of the food samples contained bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical used in plastic manufacturing, and other bisphenols. —Elizabeth Napolitano, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

bis + phenol

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bisphenol A

noun

bis·​phe·​nol A ˌbis-ˈfē-ˌnōl-, -ˌnȯl- 

: an industrial chemical compound C₁₅H₁₆O₂ that is a component especially of hard plastics (such as polycarbonate) and epoxy resins

—abbreviation BPA

Note: Some studies involving exposure to bisphenol A have raised concerns about potential adverse health effects especially during infancy and childhood. Many plastic food and beverage containers and baby products (such as pacifiers) are no longer manufactured with bisphenol A.