An industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic used for structural parts, impact-resistant glazing, street-light globes, household appliance parts, components of electrical/electronic devices, compact discs, automotive applications, reusable bottles, food and drink containers, and many other products. It is also used in the production of epoxy resins for coatings, food and beverage can linings, electrical laminates, composites and adhesives, and in other products.
Bisphenol A is primarily used to make polycarbonate plastic (recycling # 7) food and beverage containers, plastic food wrap, and epoxy resins that are used to line metal cans for foods, such as cans of soup. Bisphenol A can leach from these products as they age, to be subsequently ingested by people. Recent research has shown that this chemical is an estrogenic hormone disruptor that can cause reproductive damage and birth defects that may lead to prostate and breast cancer in adulthood.