Chemical and physical properties of the pollutant BPA

(Bisphenol A)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound (diphenyl methane) primarily used in the

manufacturing of various plastics. It is a colorless solid which is soluble in most common
organic solvents, but has very poor solubility in water. BPA is found in various products
including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat
some metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes.

The health risks associated with BPA toxicity include1:

● Neurological Effects- BPA exposure during fetal and childhood can cause human
neurotoxicity, leading to aggression, depression, and anxiety disorders.
● Cancer- BPA promotes cell proliferation and can develop prostate, breast, and
ovary cancer due to its disruptive endocrine property.
BPA can leach into food from the protective internal epoxy resin coatings of canned
foods and from consumer products such as polycarbonate tableware, food storage
containers, water bottles2. General exposure to BPA at low levels comes from eating
food or drinking water stored in containers that have BPA.

Properties of BPA

Molecular structure

Molecular mass 228.29

Molecular formula (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2

Property Inference
 Physical description Dry powder, with weak medicinal odor

Color White to light brown solid flakes or powder.

Odor Weak phenolic (medicine) odor.

Boiling point 360.5oC at 760mmHg

Melting point 160oC

Solubility in water 120 mg/l (Insoluble)

Solubility in ethanol, ether, Very soluble

benzene, alkali

Relative density 1.195

Vapor pressure Negligible (a solid)

Log Kow 3.32

Kh Negligible

Stability Relatively stable but decomposes when heated above

220oC

Toxicity, LD50 2230 mg/kg (oral, rabbit)

Toxic effects
Bisphenol is an endocrine disruptor. Low doses of bisphenol A can mimic the body's
own hormones, possibly causing negative health effects. There is thus concern that
long term low dose exposure to bisphenol A may induce chronic toxicity in humans.