**The Toxic Effects BPA on Fetuses, Infants, and Children**

Mujtaba Ellahi and Mamoon ur Rashid

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.68896

#### **Abstract**

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound with the chemical formula (CH3 )2 C(C6 H4 OH)2 belonging to the group of diphenylmethane derivatives and bisphenols, with two hydroxyphenyl groups. BPA is the common name for 2,2-(4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl) propane, IUPAC name 4,4′-(propane-2,2-diyl) diphenol, alternative name *p,p′*-isopropylidenebisphenol, with two phenol moieties. Its important properties include low vapor pressure, moderate water solubility, and low volatility. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in organic solvents, but poorly soluble in water. BPA is a plastic component produced in large quantities for use chiefly in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA epoxy has a good, broad range of chemical resistance, good physical properties, and is cured using a wide variety of curing agents at ambient temperatures. The present chapter focuses on different toxic effects and the influence of BPA on different stages of human life in fetuses, infants, and children. The chapter also concentrates on how to handle BPA, its treatment, and preventive measures against BPA exposure.

**Keywords:** toxic effects, fetuses, infants, children
