BPA can end up in the environment through wastewater emitted by factories, (household) waste, and the sewage system. In addition, BPA can be introduced into the environment due to gradual leaching from materials used in public spaces.
A number of water authorities regularly conduct measurements of BPA, showing that it is found in surface water and groundwater in the Netherlands. The number of recent measurements, however, is limited. Due to the endocrine-disrupting effects of BPA on organisms in the environment, Dutch policy is aimed at minimising the emissions of BPA into the environment.
What harmful effects does BPA have on the environment?
BPA breaks down quickly in surface water but less rapidly in the sediment. It has a endocrine-disrupting effect on fish, amphibians and invertebrates, such as molluscs and crustaceans. Exposure to BPA can, for example, lead to a lower egg production in fish. This effect can already manifest itself if animals come into contact with very low quantities of the chemical. There is currently a proposal on the table for a European water quality standard for BPA.
The presence of the substance in the environment has a negligible impact on the overall exposure of consumers. People are primarily exposed to BPA through other ways, such as through food.