Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound primarily used in the manufacturing of various plastics. It is a colourless solid which is soluble in most common organic solvents, but has very poor solubility in water. BPA is produced on an industrial scale by the condensation reaction of phenol and acetone. Global production in 2022 was estimated to be in the region of 10 million tonnes.
Bisphenol A is primarily used to make plastics, such as this polycarbonate water bottle.
The largest exposure humans have had to BPA is from food packaging, particularly the epoxy lining of metal food, beverage cans and plastic bottles.
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be molded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptability, plus a wide range of other properties, such as being lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive to produce, has led to their widespread use. Plastics typically are made through human industrial systems. Most modern plastics are derived from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum; however, recent industrial methods use variants made from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton derivatives.
Household items made of various types of plastics
A plastic handle from a kitchen utensil, deformed by heat and partially melted
A Slovnaft facility in Bratislava, Slovakia
A SOCAR Polymer polypropylene plant in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan