A popular chemical alternative to bisphenol A (BPA), known for use in plastic water bottles and food cans, is causing concern that it could “seriously damage” the human brain.
A new study by scientists at the University of Bayreuth in Germany studied the impact of both BPA and its chemical cousin Bisphenol S (BPS) on the nerve cells of goldfish.
“We were amazed at how much vital brain function in fish is affected by the plasticizers used in numerous industries,” Elisabeth Schirmer, the first author of the study, told News Atlas. “This damage, as we could see, does not occur immediately. However, if the brain cells are exposed to small amounts of BPA or BPS for a month, the damage is undeniable. ”
According to a 2018 report, both BPA and BPS are used as color developers and many businesses are making their receipts with these chemicals.
A report by researchers at New York State University in Albany and the Chinese Academy of Sciences noted that nearly 90 percent of human exposure to BPS can be traced to receptions.
The University of Bayreuth study focused on the Mauthner cells in goldfish, which according to the outlet valve are the two largest nerve cells in fish brains. The cells are part of all sensory stimuli and help vertebrates to escape from predators.
The study showed an exposition of the functioning of nervous system functions and disruption in the processing of acoustic and visual stimuli.
Scientists working on the study believe that the effects that the goldfish suffer as a result of exposure to BPS and BPA can be mimicked in humans.
“The findings obtained from studies on fish brains justify the assessment that BPA and BPS can also damage the brains of adults,” said Dr. Peter Machnik, author of the study, said. “Against this background, it is essential that science and industry develop new plasticizers to replace these bisphenols while being safe for human health.”
Producers using BPS in their products have put ‘BPA-free’ labels on packages despite a 2020 study that BPS ‘could fundamentally change the development of the fetus’ brain’, according to News Atlas.
In recent years, there have been reports of BPA and BPS associated with childhood obesity and the change in hormones in teens.