Preface

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound, which is employed to make certain plastics (i.e., polycarbonates) and epoxy resins. BPA hardens and clears the polycarbonate plastics and is present in a variety of common consumer goods, such as water bottles, sports equip‐ ment, and thermal papers such as that used in sales receipts and food and beverage cans.

BPA is suggested to have endocrine-disrupting properties. It is mainly classified as an estro‐ gen-like endocrine-disrupting chemical, and it interacts with estrogen receptors. In the last decade, attention has arisen in scientific communities that it is not safe to use this chemical in mainly polycarbonate plastics, due to its wide variety of toxic effects. In January 2011, the use of BPA in baby bottles was forbidden in all European Union countries. In July 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups. By the end of 2014, 12 US states banned BPA from children's bottles and feeding containers.

BPA is estimated to be present in the biological fluids of 93% of humans in detectable amounts. Exposure to BPA starts in prenatal period, which is the critical period for its toxic effects on different organ systems. BPA can affect mainly reproductive system in both males and females, particularly when the organism is exposed to this chemical in early years of life. Moreover, it is suggested to cause toxic effects in the liver, kidney, brain, and thyroid. BPA is also associated with breast cancer development in rodents. Exposure to BPA and subsequent development of breast cancer in humans is unclear. BPA can lead to toxicity even when taken at very small amounts, and "low-dose toxicity" is mainly considered to be critical.

Due to its toxic effects, BPA is suggested to be replaced by different bisphenols, like bisphe‐ nol S and bisphenol F, in "BPA-free products." However, these compounds are also shown to exert toxicity, and they are not good alternatives for BPA. Therefore, the industry contin‐ ues to produce and use BPA in high quantities.

In *Bisphenol A Exposure and Health Risks*, we will mainly focus on the toxic effects of BPA. Throughout this book, the readers will obtain information on the effects of BPA on different systems, particularly on both male and female reproductive systems. They will also get in‐ formation on the prenatal and postnatal effects of this endocrine disruptor. We believe that readers will get qualified scientific knowledge and a general overview of the toxic effects of BPA exposure and its consequences from this book.

> **Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pinar Erkekoglu and Prof. Dr. Belma Kocer-Gumusel** Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Toxicology

Ankara, Turkey

**Effects of Bisphenol A on Different Systems**
