BPA alternative in paper products BPS raises concerns
Scientists studying the toxic effects of BPA found paper companies have largely replaced it with a chemically similar compound, bisphenol-S (BPS). The study, which was recently accepted by Environmental Science & Technology, calls for toxicology research on this BPA alternative. Researchers in the study are concerned with the increasing use of BPS because it’s chemically similar to BPA, and exposure to BPS could be widespread.
BPA, or bisphenol-A, is commonly used in plastic packaging and other consumer products. Manufacturers have come under increasing pressure to stop using the chemical compound in light of studies that have linked BPA to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities as well as prostate tumor growth. However, it’s still widely used and its safety has been reaffirmed by the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority.
In this recent study, BPS was analyzed in 16 types of paper and paper products, including food contact papers (Environmental Leader Daily Newsletter,
