Plasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride Research Articles

New Antimicrobial Materials Based on Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride for Urinary Catheters: Preparation and Testing

Given the constant increased number of nosocomial infections in hospitals, especially associated with prolonged usage of inserted medical devices, our work aims to ameliorate clinical experience and promote faster healing of patients undergoing urinary catheterization by improving the properties of medical devices materials. Within this research, nine different composites were prepared based on polyvinyl chloride, using three different plasticizers (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Proviplast 2646, and Proviplast 2755), and two different antimicrobial additives containing silver nanoparticles. The prepared materials were analyzed, and their physicochemical properties were determined: water absorption, relative density, plasticizer migration, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity by contact angle measurement, Shore A hardness, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Structure and morphology were also investigated by means of FTIR, SEM, and EDX analyses, and thermal (TG-DSC) and biological properties were evaluated. The most important aspects of obtained results are showing that plasticizer migration was significantly reduced (to almost zero) and that the usage of antimicrobial additives improved the materials’ biocompatibility. Thus, based on the concluded favorable properties, the obtained materials can be further used for catheter development. Pressure–flow studies for different sizes and configurations are the next steps toward advanced in vivo and clinical trials.

High rubber elasticity and thermal conductivity in plasticized polyvinyl chloride film with flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties

AbstractFor hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber (HNBR) modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC), magnesium hydroxide and antimony trioxide are frequently employed as flame retardants. Fume silica is thought to be useful reinforced agent for rubber as well as efficient flame retardant for polymer‐based composites. The plasticized PVC and HNBR blend in this work were combined with three fillers mentioned above to create rubber‐plastic composites that performed well overall, with a notable improvement in combustion. The limiting oxygen index of the composites increased from 23.7% to 33.8% with no droplets falling during combustion, the smoke density rating decreased from 23.8% to 7.9%, and the maximum smoke density dropped from 95.5% to 15.5%. The cone calorimetry test findings revealed that the three fillers simultaneously prevented the emission of smoke and heat from combustion. High thermal conductivity is typically linked to excellent flame retardancy. The thermal conductivity of composites rose from 0.193 to 0.583 W m−1 K−1 with the addition of fillers. Furthermore, the low glass transition temperature and permanent set of improved composites reflect its softness and rubber elasticity. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to examine the thermal stability of the composites in nitrogen and air, and the results indicated the addition of fillers improved the thermal stability.

The Impact of Plasticizer Levels in Hardening PVC Plastic

This paper provides a detailed investigation into the effects of Trioctyl Trimellitate (TOTM) plasticizer levels on the hardness of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) materials. The study reveals an inverse correlation between the level of TOTM plasticizer and the hardness of PVC, with an increase in TOTM levels leading to a decrease in hardness. This trend is consistent across various PVC samples, despite minor variations. The role of plasticizers in determining the physical and mechanical properties of PVC is further explored, emphasizing their function in reducing PVC’s crystallinity, thereby producing a clearer and more flexible material. This research contributes to the understanding of how plasticizers can be used to tailor the properties of PVC, leading to the development of two distinct types of PVC: Flexible PVC, which contains a plasticizer, and Rigid PVC, which does not. The findings underscore the importance of plasticizers in material design and engineering, offering valuable insights for future applications.

Impact of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface properties on Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion in materials used in mineral water wells

Microbiologically contaminated water is a significant source of infections in humans and animals, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) being particularly concerning due to its ability to thrive in water environments and its resistance to many disinfectants. Therefore, this study investigates the adhesion potential of PSA strains on various materials used in mineral water extraction wells, focusing on hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Mineral water samples were collected from three wells (P-01, P-07, and P-08) within the Guarani Aquifer System and Fractured Aquifer System (SAF) in Brazil. The physicochemical properties of the water, including concentrations of Sr (strontium), Fe (iron), Si (silicon), SO4 2− (sulfate ions), Cl− (chloride ions), and ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), were analyzed. Results indicated higher PSA adhesion on hydrophobic materials, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and geomechanically plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Multiple correlation analyses revealed positive correlations between PSA adhesion on hydrophilic materials and Sr, Fe, Si, SO4 2−, and Cl− concentrations. Conversely, ORP negatively correlated with bacterial adhesion on PVC surfaces, suggesting higher ORP values reduced PSA attachment. These findings highlight the importance of water composition and material properties in influencing bacterial adhesion and potential biofilm formation in mineral water extraction systems.

Revolutionizing sensing technologies: Crafting a green, ultra-sensitive bismuth optical sensor via fixation of 5-(2′,4′-dimethyl-phenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione on PVC membrane

An innovative and exceptionally responsive optical sensing device engineered to selectively identify Bi(III) ions in water-based solutions. The sensing component, 5-(2′,4′-dimethylphenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (DMPAHPD), is incorporated into a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane. The sensor demonstrates an exceptional selectivity for Bi(III) within a broad dynamic range spanning from 7.5 × 10−10 to 4.2 × 10−5 M at pH 2.25. Notably, it achieves lower quantification and detection limits of 7.25 × 10−10 and 2.15 × 10−10 M, respectively. The optode membrane’s response to Bi(III) proves to be entirely reversible, demonstrating remarkable selectivity for Bi(III) ions over a diverse range of other cations and anions. The sensor exhibits favorable performance characteristics, including good reversibility, a wide dynamic range, a prolonged lifespan, sustained response stability over the long term, and high reproducibility. This visual chemical sensor exhibits potential for real-world usage, offering consistent outcomes when assessing Bi(III) levels in matrices such as water, soil, plants, biological and synthetic mixtures. Importantly, the sensor’s performance is comparable to corresponding data achieved from inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

Method of calculation of temperature parameters and servic life of cable lines with a voltage of 10 kV

RELEVANCE. The paper presents a method for calculating the temperature parameters and service life of cable lines (CL) with a voltage of 10 kV for various types of insulation and operating conditions. Dependencies have been developed that are recommended for clarifying the parameters of the CL, taking into account different operating modes. The results of the study can be used for practical application and will contribute to reducing the number of accidents resulting from thermal breakdowns of CL due to incorrect selection of CL parameters.PURPOSE. To investigate the temperature parameters of 10 kV CL, taking into account various methods of laying them and load factors for the climatic conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan.METHODS. Methods for calculating the temperature parameters of CL and their service life, methods of statistical data processing, and methods for approximating functions are used. The ELCUT software package is used to visualize the results obtained during calculations. results. The results of calculations of the temperature parameters of 10 kV CL with paper-impregnated insulation (BPI), polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) insulation and polyethylene (PE) insulation during their laying in air, in the ground, in the ground in a pipe, taking into account the load coefficients of cable lines, are presented. The results of calculations of the service life of the CL are shown. The values of the optimal load coefficients of the CL are determined to reduce the rate of thermal aging of insulation under various operating conditions. conclusion. The results of the conducted research and calculations can be used to evaluate and select the optimal load of 10 kV CL at the stages of operation and design of power supply systems.

Quantification of tungsten in real samples spectrophotometrically using optical sensor

A new methodology was devised to detect tungsten in aqueous samples, employing a sensor membrane crafted by physically incorporating a tungsten-selective compound, 5-(2 -bromophenylazo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione (BPAHPD), into a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). The addition of Triton X-114 was observed to be advantageous in augmenting the absorption of HWO4− ions from the liquid phase into the membrane phase, thereby amplifying sensor absorption intensity. The method established a linear dynamic span of 15–350 ng mL−1 for W(VI), exhibiting a notable correlation coefficient of 0.9992. Quantification and detection limits were determined to be 14.85 and 4.45 ng mL−1, correspondingly, under optimized conditions. The Sandell responsiveness and molar absorptivity were calculated at 0.0455 ng cm−2 and 4.04 × 108 L/mol cm−1, respectively. The sensor demonstrated superb selectivity, as demonstrated by the negligible influence of potential interfering species. Statistical analyses, encompassing variance ratio F-tests and Student’s t-tests, indicated no substantial differences. The efficacy of the methodology was authenticated through the scrutiny of genuine samples, with statistical comparison to the ICP-AES method.

Combined effects of polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene microplastics with cadmium on the intestine of zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations

Cadmium (Cd) is a common additive in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) plastics. Aquatic organisms were inevitably co-exposed to PVC/PP microplastics (MPs) and Cd, but their combined toxicity is still unknown. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to 200 μg/L MPs (PVC or PP) and 10 μg/L Cd alone or in combination for 28 days to investigate their toxicity and mechanisms. Results showed that combined exposure with PVC/PP enhanced the Cd accumulation in the zebrafish intestine. Subsequently, toxicology analyses showed that both PVC and PP possessed synergistic toxicity with Cd, manifested by the exfoliation and necrosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and increased levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). PP exhibited a stronger synergistic effect than PVC. Integration of non-targeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that combined exposure to PVC and Cd induced intestine toxicity mainly through bile acid (BA) biosynthesis, fructose (Fru) and mannose (Man) metabolism, and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). The combined exposure of PP and Cd induced toxicity through the arginine (Arg) and glutathione (GSH) metabolisms. Meanwhile, combined exposure of PVC/PP and Cd increased the abundance of intestinal Proteobacteria and pathogen Vibrio, and decreased the abundance of Gemmobacter. These changes indrectly promoted the synergistic toxicity of PVC/PP and Cd through metabolites, such as indole-3-pyruvate (IPyA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and cholic acid (CA). These findings highlighted that more attention should be paid to the toxicity of chemicals at environmentally relevant concentrations, particularly those co-existing with MPs.

Assessing the size transformation of nanoplastics in natural water matrices

Understanding the stability of NPs in different aqueous environments, related with their size is crucial for assessing their potential risks. This is influenced by several factors, including pH, ionic strength, and the presence of biomolecules, or dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, dispersions of NPs derived from common plastic waste materials, including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polycarbonate (PC), were synthesized by a nanoprecipitation method with sizes: 189 ± 7, 58 ± 3, 123 ± 4, 151 ± 7 and 182 ± 6 nm, respectively. Stability for a period of 14 days of these NPs was assessed in various natural water matrices. Different analytical techniques were used, including Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) coupled with UV–Vis and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) in series, batch DLS, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). None of the studied NPs was stable in seawater and NPs were transformed in microplastics (MPs) by aggregation. PET was more prone to aggregation in all waters and PS was the most stable followed for PC, PVC and PMMA. However, bottle and tap waters maintained better the original size of NPs. For the most stable dispersion PS, the influence of heteroaggregation in tap and lagoon waters and aging from exposure to UV light in sea water were tested. In both cases, the stability over time was worse for PS. The results can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the fate and behaviour of NPs in natural aquatic environments, emphasizing the importance of studying a wide range of polymers.

Plasticized PVC composites comprising MWCNT‐RGO hybrid filler–the synergetic effect of hybrids on the dielectric and mechanical properties

AbstractModification of polymers with hybrid fillers has sought much attention in the past few years. The addition of hybrid fillers will lead to a synergistic effect in reinforcing and is advantageous in polymer nanocomposites. One such attempt is presented here that explores the effect of incorporation of hybrid derived from reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the dielectric and mechanical properties of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PPVC). This system of hybrid composite incorporating RGO‐CNT and PPVC has not been prepared and reported yet. Melt mixing techniques were effectively used for the fabrication of PPVC nanocomposites containing the hybrid filler in different ratios. The prepared composites showed enhanced dielectric strength in the lower frequency region up to 450 and high AC conductivity. The mutual stacking and penetration of the 1D‐2D nanomaterials lead to effective dispersion and enhancement in the electronic conduction. Among the hybrids, the R1C5 (with the filler ration RGO 1 wt% and CNT 5%) was having the optimum properties. The tensile modulus showed a cumulative variation with the addition of CNT. Even though the tensile strength decreased slightly because of the immobilization of the PPVC chains by the hybrid effect, the modulus value showed a marked increase of over 90% from the virgin polymer. The PPVC composite with R1C5 hybrid filler exhibited an EMI shielding efficiency of ⁓23 dB and it was frequency independent. The results suggest the composite R1C5 should be used as a cost‐effective material for applications in the L‐band and S‐band regions.

Electrocatalytic grafting of polyvinyl chloride plastics

Electrocatalytic grafting of polyvinyl chloride plastics

High performance PVC/ [AMI]mNTF2 ionic gel sensors for smart wearable applications

Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel as an electroactive polymer material has attracted increasing interest for the construction of flexible devices with the integration of actuation and self-sensing. However, the insufficient sensing ability of traditional PVC gels limits their applications. In this paper, a PVC ionic gel sensor based on the physical blending of PVC gel and the ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bisimide ([AMI]mNTF2) is presented. With the addition of ionic liquids, the PVC molecular chains and ions formed stable conductive pathways, resulting in increased conductivity and sensing performance of the PVC gel. The proposed sensor exhibits excellent sensing properties of high resolution (0.12 %) and fast response time (95 ms), along with high sensitivity (GF=27.8), which is more than seven times that of the traditional PVC gel. Furthermore, it was successfully utilized for human motion detection and remote control of a robotic hand, demonstrating the feasibility of the sensor for smart wearable applications in the future.

Organophosphorus flame retardants in the Qiantang River of China: occurrence, source and ecological risk assessment.

In recent years, the prevalence and danger of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have drawn attention from all around the world. This study examined twenty-five OPFRs observed in water and sediment samples from the Qiantang River in eastern China, as well as their occurrence, spatial distribution, possible origins, and ecological hazards. All the 25 OPFRs were detected in water and sediment samples. The levels of Σ25OPFRs in water and sediment were 35.5-192ng/L and 8.84-48.5ng/g dw, respectively. Chlorinated OPFRs were the main contributions in water, whereas alkyl-OPFRs were the most common congeners found in sediment. Spatial analysis revealed that sample locations in neighboring cities had somewhat higher water concentrations of OPFRs. Slowing down the river current and making the reservoir the main sink of OPFRs, the dam can prevent OPFRs from moving via the Qiantang River. Positive matrix factorization indicated that plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride, polyester resins, and polyurethane foam made the greatest contributions in water, whereas polyurethane foam and textile were the predominant source in sediment. Analysis of sediment-water exchange of OPFRs showed that twelve OPFRs in sediments can re-enter into the water body. The risk quotients showed the ecological risk was low to medium, but trixylyl phosphate exposures posed high ecological risk to aquatic organisms.

Effect of interaction between different plastics and polyvinyl chloride on the chlorine transformation behavior in volatiles during low-temperature pyrolysis

To reduce the pollution during the pyrolysis recovery of chlorine-containing plastic waste from different sources, effects of the interaction between different plastics and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the transformation of chlorine at low temperature were investigated by thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) and fixed-bed pyrolysis experiments. Results showed that the proportions of chlorine in chars were all <0.04 %, indicating that almost all chlorine was released after pyrolysis. However, the chlorine forms in volatiles were significantly changed with mixing different plastics. HCl production was significantly inhibited due to the addition of other plastics, while the organic chlorinated compounds (OCCs) formation was promoted, which increased the distribution of chlorine in liquid products. During PVC pyrolysis, chlorine was mainly distributed in gas (93.09 %) in the form of HCl, only a small amount of aliphatic chlorides were generated and distributed in liquid (6.89 %). After the addition of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the chlorine distribution in liquid increased to 8.86 %, 11.98 % and 25.99 %, respectively. The formation of OCCs was significantly affected by the difference in thermochemical reaction characteristics of plastics. Specifically, the production of aromatic chlorides was promoted by PS, while the generation of aliphatic chlorides and aromatic chloroesters was significantly promoted by PE and PET, respectively. Therefore, the release form of chlorine could be significantly altered by the interaction between PVC and other waste plastics, which provides a reference for the regulation of chlorine-containing pollutants in the recovery and utilization of plastic waste.

Quantification of additives in beached plastic debris from Aotearoa New Zealand

Plastics have become an essential part of modern society. Their properties can be easily manipulated by incorporating additives to impart desirable attributes, such as colour, flexibility, or stability. However, many additives are classified as hazardous substances. To better understand the risk of plastic pollution within marine ecosystems, the type and concentration of additives in plastic debris needs to be established. We report the quantification of thirty-one common plastic additives (including plasticisers, antioxidants, and UV stabilisers) in beached plastic debris collected across Aotearoa New Zealand. Additives were isolated from the plastic debris by solvent extraction and quantified using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twenty-five of the target additives were detected across 200 items of debris, with plasticisers detected at the highest frequency (99 % detection frequency). Additives were detected in all samples, with a median of four additives per debris item. A significantly higher number of additives were detected per debris item for polyvinyl chloride (median = 7) than polyethylene or polypropylene (median = 4). The additives bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, and antioxidant 702 were detected at the highest concentrations (up to 196,930 μg/g). The sum concentration of additives per debris item (up to 320,325 μg/g) was significantly higher in polyvinyl chloride plastics (median 94,716 μg/g) compared to other plastic types, primarily due to the presence of phthalate plasticisers. Non-target analysis was consistent with the targeted analysis, indicating a higher number and concentration of additives in polyvinyl chloride debris items compared to all other polymer types. Feature identification indicated the presence of more additives than previously detected in the targeted analysis, including plasticisers (phthalate and non-phthalate), processing aids, and nucleating agents. This study highlights phthalates and polyvinyl chloride as key targets for consideration in ecotoxicology and risk assessments, and the development of policies to reduce the impacts of plastic pollution.

Synthesis and performance evaluation of low-molecular-weight biobased polyester rubber as a novel eco-friendly polymeric plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride

Synthesis and performance evaluation of low-molecular-weight biobased polyester rubber as a novel eco-friendly polymeric plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride

Monitoring Epoxidized Soybean Oil Degradation Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and In Silico Spectral Libraries.

Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) is routinely used as a bioderived plasticizer and stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as it prolongs material integrity during dehydrochlorination. During this process, the epoxide moieties of ESO are progressively converted to chlorohydrins, which amplify ESO's inherent structural complexity. Past characterization efforts utilized separation-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the hydrolyzed acyl chains to simplify the complexity. However, this approach significantly increases the complexity of sample preparation and cannot directly monitor the chlorination of individual ESO species during aging. Here, we present a comprehensive LC-MS/MS data acquisition and in silico spectral library identification workflow optimized for intact ESO byproduct analysis. Detailed MS/MS fragmentation rules derived from synthesized standards were coupled with improved fragment ion intensity modeling capabilities to generate a high-fidelity spectral library for rapid ESO byproduct identification. Identification confidence was further bolstered by using retention time modeling to filter spurious MS/MS matches. Finally, we paired this informatic approach with an optimized extraction procedure and reversed-phase separation to generate a detailed timeline of more than 400 ESO species and byproducts during PVC thermal aging. These developments significantly improve our ability to detect, characterize, and understand ESO degradation in complex PVC formulations with new levels of molecular resolution.

A comparative study of comprehensive performances for transparent plasticized polyvinyl chloride films with different plasticizers

AbstractFor flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films with excellent mechanical performances and high transparency, the demand for antistatic properties is becoming increasingly urgent in textile and electronic fields. This study compares the effects of 60 phr bis (2‐(2‐butoxyethoxy) ethyl) adipate (DBEEA) with other five equal amounts of plasticizers on the conductivity, electrical stability, transparency, and mechanical properties of plasticized PVC. The infrared spectra of plasticizers indicate that there are unique ether groups exist in DBEEA. Then the calculated solubility parameters suggest the good compatibility between DBEEA and PVC. For conductivity, the volume resistivity and surface resistivity of the PVC sample with DBEEA (PVC/DBEEA) are 107 Ω· m and 1010 Ω, respectively, which are both lower by 3–4 orders of magnitude than that of other plasticized PVC. For electrical stability, the results indicate that PVC/DBEEA placed in air still maintains lowest resistivities. Under 10, 23, and 30°C, PVC/DBEEA keeps high and stable electrical properties. The similar refractive indices of DBEEA and PVC resin prepared by suspension method indicate good transparency for PVC/DBEEA. Moreover, PVC/DBEEA still has good mechanical property.

Thermochemical Valorization of Plastic Waste Containing Low Density Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride and Polyvinyl Butyral into Thermal and Fuel Energy

Pyrolysis is a promising technology for transforming waste plastics (WPs) into high-value products. In the near future it will play a key role in the circular economy, as a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of managing this waste. Although the literature reports on the pyrolysis of plastics, it is focused on pure polymers. On the other hand, the state-of-the-art knowledge about the pyrolysis of mixed and contaminated WPs is still scarce. Industrial waste processing usually uses polymer mixtures containing various impurities that influence the pyrolysis process during chemical WPs recycling. In the paper the pyrolysis of three types of WPs: low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) from repeated mechanical recycling of plastics, as well as their binary and ternary mixtures, is considered. The influence of particular components on the pyrolysis process is analyzed. The aim is to determine synergistic behavior of the mixtures during the pyrolysis process, which is important for increasing the efficiency and quality of the obtained bioproducts. Methods such as thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectroscopy (MS) are used. The variations in the initial and final temperature of pyrolysis, mass loss and mass loss rate are determined. The content of PVC significantly lowers the initial temperature and mass loss and increases the final temperature. The pyrolysis of the considered mixtures shows a noticeable synergism—in the initial stage of pyrolysis up to a temperature around 450 °C, the mass loss is accelerated compared to what is predicted by simple superposition. The inhomogeneity of the mixtures as well as the waste origin causes a significant variation in the activation energy. Three main conclusions are obtained: (i) if the waste does not contain PVC, the pyrolysis is nearly complete at a temperature around 500 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C/min, whereas PVC is not fully processed even at 995 °C; (ii) the synergistic effects affect significantly the pyrolysis process by accelerating some steps and lowering the activation energy; and (iii) the presence of PVC noticeably lowers the temperature of the first stage of PVB pyrolysis. The investigation results prove that chemical recycling of mixed LDPE, PVC and PVB waste can be an effective method of plastic waste management.

Novel insights into the role of bisphenol A (BPA) in genomic instability.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a phenolic chemical that has been used for over 50 years in the manufacturing of polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride plastics, and it is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. Because BPA can bind to and activate estrogen receptors, studies have mainly focused on the effect of BPA in disrupting the human endocrine and reproductive systems. However, BPA also plays a role in promoting genomic instability and has been associated with initiating carcinogenesis. For example, it has been recently shown that exposure to BPA promotes the formation of single stranded DNA gaps, which may be associated with increased genomic instability. In this review, we outline the mechanisms by which BPA works to promote genomic instability including chromosomal instability, DNA adduct formation, ROS production, and estrogen receptor (ER) activation. Moreover, we define the ways in which BPA promotes both carcinogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy, and we provide critical insights into future directions and outstanding questions in the field.