Bisphenol A and Metabolites

Bisphenol A is receiving increasing scrutiny from regulators and the scientific community world-wide as a contaminant of concern due to its estrogenic potential. There continues to be debate whether levels of bisphenol A found in humans, particularly children, cause adverse effects and whether current threshold levels are set low enough. In 2006, Canadian regulators concluded that a more detailed assessment of the health effects of bisphenol A was required.

Bisphenol A, comprised of two phenolic rings joined by a bridging group, is a synthetic chemical compound that is produced during the reaction of phenol with acetone. It is also sometimes referred to as phenol, 4,4’-(methylethylidene)bis, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, or 4,4’-isopropylidene-2-diphenol.

In 2005, AXYS led the industry in offering analysis of bisphenol A and its glucuronamide metabolites in human serum and urine by LC-MS/MS instrumentation. Required measurements are usually in the nanogram or lower range. We are at the forefront of analytical laboratories offering this complex test and have analyzed hundreds of samples in a variety of biomonitoring programs.

Primarily used as the basic building block for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins due to its properties to increase durability, clarity, and impact resistance. It is a component of many consumer products such as baby bottles, plastic toys, and the inside coatings of cans. Bisphenol A is also used in other applications as paint additives, corrosion inhibitors, and catalysts. Globally, over six-billion pounds of bisphenol A are used each year.

Exposure to bisphenol A is from a variety of routes. These include oral pathways (products placed into the mouth), ingestion of household dust or skin contact. The ester bonds in these BPA-based polymers are subject to hydrolysis, allowing small amounts of the bisphenol A to leach out of the products. Many studies have shown bisphenol A to be estrogenic, developmentally toxic, and acting as a precursor to breast cancer. Although rapidly metabolized and excreted from the body, adverse effects of bisphenol A have been observed at levels less than the current EPA threshold level. In the environment, recent studies have demonstrated biodegradation of bisphenol A in surface water and sediments and efficient removal by activated sludge waste water treatment systems in POTW systems. The current focus for bisphenol A and its metabolites is occurrence and effects within humans. 

AXYS specializes in measurement of bisphenol A to nanogram or lower concentrations from standard sample sizes. Our specialized sampling and analytical procedures may allow for much lower detection limits and reduced sample sizes in human and sediment matrices. We deliver legally defensible data under ISO 17025 certified systems applying methods accredited by NELAP and CAEAL. Electronic Data Deliverables (EDD), customized for download to our clients relational databases, are available in addition to standard format report and full data packages.

Please contact one of our Project Managers at 1 888 373 0881 or +1 (250) 655-5800 to discuss how AXYS can support your analytical advantage.

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