Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well studied chemical that is known to leach out of plastic bottles. A recent study from a Japanese group has identified a fluorinated form of BPA known as Bisphenol AF (BPAF) which might be a largely ignored contaminant.
Findings in Japan indicate that this chemical (BPAF) is more potent in altering the effects of hormones such as estrogen. This toxic compound which is an ingredient in many plastics, electronic devices and optical fibres, is now identified as a potential endocrine disruptor. Estrogen hormones turn on genes that control activities such as ovulation in young woman. BPAF is found to show strong affinity to estrogen receptors alpha and beta. The research paper from Matsushima is published in open access journal and can be found here:
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.0901819
It should also be noted that BPAF is in news for sometime. In 2008, US National Institute of Environmental Sciences nominated BPAF for a comprehensive toxicological characterization. National Toxicology program has previously noted ‘some concern’ for the BPAF’s potential effect on brain, behaviour and reproduction. The recent finding raises more concern and shows the need for more detailed study in these environmental contaminants.
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