Bisphenol A and Metabolic Diseases: Challenges for Occupational Medicine.

Lidia Caporossi,Bruno Papaleo

doi:10.3390/ijerph14090959

Abstract

The prevalence of metabolic diseases has markedly increased worldwide during the last few decades. Lifestyle factors (physical activity, energy-dense diets), together with a genetic predisposition, are well known factors in the pathophysiology of health problems. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used for polycarbonate plastics, food containers, epoxy resins coating metallic cans for food and beverage conservation. The ability of BPA to act as an endocrine disruptor—xenoestrogen in particular—is largely documented in literature, with numerous publications of in vivo and in vitro studies as well as epidemiological data on humans. Recently, different researchers studied the involvement of BPA in the development of insulin resistance; evidences in this way showed a potential role in etiology of metabolic disease, both for children and for adults. We review the epidemiological literature in the relation between BPA exposure and the risk of metabolic diseases in adults, with a focus on occupational exposure. Considering published data and the role of occupational physicians in promoting Workers’ Health, specific situations of exposure to BPA in workplace are described, and proposals for action to be taken are suggested. The comparison of the studies showed that exposure levels were higher in workers than in the general population, even if, sometimes, the measurement units used did not permit rapid comprehension. Nevertheless, occupational medicine focus on reproductive effects and not metabolic ones.

Highlights

The incidence of metabolic syndromes, obesity and type 2 diabetes in particular, has steadily increased worldwide over the past 30 years; the cause of this situation most certainly lies in high calorie diets and ever less movement, besides possible genetic predisposition
This study study is is aa reflection reflection on on the the potential potential risk risk of of the the metabolic disorders in in the the categories categories of of workers potentially exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA), and provides helpful information for occupational physicians workers potentially exposed to BPA, and provides helpful information for occupational physicians in in directing their health checks
Independent of traditional diabetes, risk factors higher, urinary BPA levels were found to be associated with prediabetes situation

Summary

Introduction

The incidence of metabolic syndromes, obesity and type 2 diabetes in particular, has steadily increased worldwide over the past 30 years; the cause of this situation most certainly lies in high calorie diets and ever less movement, besides possible genetic predisposition. Some data show that exposure to endocrine disruptor chemical compounds, which are ubiquitous at an environmental and/or food level, can play a role in the development of these diseases [1,2,3]. Among these substances, Bisphenol A (BPA) has aroused particular interest for its presence in many everyday products, as component in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and the possibility of contamination of food with which it comes into contact; this situation is verified by noticeable exposure to the general population [4]. Public Health 2017, 14, 959; doi:10.3390/ijerph14090959 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

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