Bisphenol A (BPA) in China: A review of sources, environmental levels, and potential human health impacts

Bisphenol A (BPA), identified as an endocrine disruptor, is an industrially important chemical that is used as a raw material in the manufacture of many products such as engineering plastics (e.g., epoxy resins/polycarbonate plastics), food cans (i.e., lacquer coatings), and dental composites/sealants. The demand and production capacity of BPA in China have grown rapidly. This trend will lead to much more BPA contamination in the environmental media and in the general population in China. This paper reviews the current literature concerning the pollution status of BPA in China (the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) and its potential impact on human health. Due to potential human health risks from long-term exposure to BPA, body burden of the contaminant should be monitored. ► The sources, environmental levels and potential human health impacts of Bisphenol A in China were reviewed. ► Compared with other countries, China is the most potential market in the BPA production and consumption. ► BPA levels are listed the in different environmental media and food in China, and did comparisons with other countries. ► The studies on potential human health impacts in China were reviewed, especially in the study of BPA occupational exposure. ► A few BPA hotspots in China were pointed out and discussed.