Bisphenol A (BPA) has been one of the most used plasticizers with more than 4.8 million tons produced in 2012. BPA is also an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to adverse health effects such as cancer, obesity, behavioral and mood changes, lowered fertility, developmental changes and more in humans and other animals. The evidence of the toxicity of BPA, even at very low levels, has caused many countries to limit its use, especially in baby bottles and other baby-related hard plastic items. In these items, BPA has been replaced with other bisphenols, such as Bisphenol S (BPS). However, BPS is also an endocrine disruptor and can behave like BPA in cellular activities. It has been linked to adverse health effects similar to BPA. Also, studies have shown more dermal penetration of BPS than BPA. In this research, methods were developed to simultaneously determine concentrations of BPA and BPS in samples using UV-VIS Absorption Spectrophotometry and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and analytical figures of merit were determined for these methods (LODBPS = 0.13μg/mL and LODBPA = 1.18μg/mL). The effectiveness of the UV-VIS Absorption Spectrophotometry in determining concentrations of BPA and BPS in samples was compared to HPLC using statistical analysis. These methods were applied to methanol:water (1:1) samples exposed to different kinds of plastics, food cans and thermal receipt paper to test for leaching of BPA and/or BPS. The concentrations of BPA and/or BPS determined ranged from undetectable to concentrations above the Total Daily Intake approved by the FDA or the European Food Safety Authority (TDIBPA = 5 µg/mL/kg body weight). The methods used suggested that other chemicals may leach out in addition to BPA and BPS. Conditions of time (0 hours–10 days) and temperature (22-70°C) were varied to simulate everyday use of these products.

Simultaneous determination of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in methanol:water (1:1) samples using UV/VIS spectrophotometry

251st National Meeting (2016)

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