Abstract :
[en] Bisphenol A (BPA) is used since 1960 as a primary raw material for the production of polycarbonate (PC) plastic and epoxy resin, which are widely used in a variety of common products including digital media (e.g., CDs, DVDs), electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports safety equipment, reusable food and drink containers , as well as baby bottle.
During the last decades, in several studies, the migration of BPA is documented to be a well-known source of food contamination. The measurements of BPA in human fluids and tissues highlighted that its presence in food constitutes the primary route of human exposure. Some studies showed that BPA, which could disrupt normal endocrine function by mimicking estrogen hormones,, may be associated to several health problems and diseases. Recently, the European food safety authority conducted a risk assessment on BPA and concluded that though studies related to potential health hazards associated with BPA, are suggesting a potential negative effect on human body, but results are still uncertain. Following that screening assessment, the European Union took a series of measures, including a ban for the manufacture, import and sale of PC baby bottles to reduce BPA exposure of infants.
Plastic alternatives to polycarbonate have massively appeared on Belgium market. Although there are several studies on BPA migration from polycarbonate into foodstuff under various conditions, there is a small amount of information about consequences on human health of the chemicals migrating from PC alternatives, including bottles commonly labelled “free BPA”. In a recent opinion (No. 8697, 11.03.2010), the Belgium Superior Health Council's issued its concern regarding the currently used alternatives to PC. Furthermore, they asked to investigate the possible risks associated with the use of these alternatives.
To know if these alternatives are safe, the activity on several receptors (estrogen (ER), androgen (AR), progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoïd receptor (GR)) of chemicals migrating from PC alternatives, identified by Simoneau & al, 2012 , were evaluated using reporter gene assays.
Agonistic and antagonistic activities of 38 pure compounds were measured. After the first screening, some substances clearly showed an activity on each receptor, such as BPA, 2.4- dimethyl benzaldehyde (C4), Bisphenol S (C49), while other subtances reacted on three, two or one receptor. Only 5 substances showed no activity. For active substances only, the study will be continued and a full dose-response curve will be performed in order to assess quantitatively the activity.
