Biomonitoring - Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many plastics, including those used to make and line food and drink containers. Studies suggest that BPA may be an endocrine disrupting chemical, which means it may interfere with the hormones that occur naturally in our bodies, even at low levels of exposure. Scientists are concerned about the potential for endocrine disruptors to adversely affect children’s health including their development and behavior.
On this page:
Indicators
B10: BPA in women
Web update: 2022
Key Information
- In 2015-2016, the median level of BPA in urine among women of child-bearing age was 1 µg/L, a decrease from 3 µg/L in 2003-2004. The median represents the midpoint of exposure.
- In 2015-2016, the 95th percentile level of BPA in urine of women was 6 µg/L, a decrease from 16 µg/L in 2003-2004. The 95th percentile represents higher exposure.
- In 2013-2016, the median level of BPA in urine of Black non-Hispanic women was 2 µg/L, higher than all other groups.
- Women living below the poverty level had higher median levels of BPA in urine than those living at or above the poverty level.
Data Characterization
Data for this indicator are obtained from an ongoing continuous survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Survey data are representative of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population.
BPA is measured in urine samples obtained from individual survey participants.
B11: BPA in children
Web update: 2022
Key Information
- In 2015-2016, the median level of BPA in children’s urine was 1 µg/L, a decrease from 4 µg/L in 2003-2004.
- In 2015-2016, the 95th percentile level of BPA in urine of children was 7 µg/L, a decrease from 16 µg/L in 2003-2004.
- In 2013-2016, the median level of BPA in urine of Black non-Hispanic children was 1.5 µg/L, higher than in any other group.
Data Characterization
Data for this indicator are obtained from an ongoing continuous survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Survey data are representative of the U.S. civilian non-institutionalized population.
BPA is measured in urine samples obtained from individual survey participants.
About the BPA Indicators
BPA is found in certain plastics and is sometimes used to make and line food and drink containers. Exposure to BPA is believed to primarily occur through diet when BPA migrates from food and drink containers. BPA is present in human urine samples from all age groups, children and adults. Children have higher estimated daily intake of BPA and higher measured levels of urinary BPA compared to adults.
Studies suggest that BPA may be an endocrine disrupting chemical, which means it may interfere with the hormones that occur naturally in our bodies, even at low levels of exposure. Hormones help control many important functions in the body, like growth, development and reproduction. Because of this, scientists are concerned about the potential for endocrine disruptors to adversely affect children’s health including their development and behavior. In 2008, based on a review of existing scientific literature, the National Toxicology Program determined that there was “some concern” (the midpoint on a five-level scale ranging from “negligible” to “serious”) for effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in babies and young children; “minimal concern” for effects on the mammary gland and onset of puberty in females; and “negligible concern” for infant deaths, birth defects, and reduced birth weight and growth.
For historic and contextual information about BPA and these indicators, see the BPA section of America's Children and the Environment, Third Edition (pdf) .
Data Sources and Methods - BPA
The National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducts the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), a series of U.S. national surveys of the health and nutrition status of the noninstitutionalized civilian population. Interviews and physical examinations are conducted with approximately 10,000 people in each two-year survey cycle. The survey measures BPA and its metabolite levels in urine samples collected from NHANES participants. However, this indicator does not account for the manufacturing and use of other bisphenols which may also result in human exposure. These indicators focus on both women of child-bearing age and children because of concern for potential adverse effects in children born to women who have been exposed to BPA and in children exposed to BPA.
- Detailed Methods for Indicators B11 and B12 (pdf)
- Metadata for National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Related Links
- U.S. EPA: Bisphenol A (BPA) Action Plan Summary
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Bisphenol A (BPA)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in Food Contact Application
- National Toxicology Program: Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Bisphenol A