A recent assessment highlights that a large portion of Europeans are exposed to bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to health concerns including cancer, immune and endocrine disruption, and reduced fertility. The finding comes from data gathered by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and disseminated through its official channels. BPA is widely used across consumer products, notably in plastic food storage containers, beverage bottles, and piping for drinking water, making everyday exposure common for many people.
New EEA data show that nearly all individuals in the eleven EU countries examined had BPA exposures exceeding established health safety thresholds. The biomonitoring study measured BPA and related compounds in urine samples from 2,756 adults across Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Switzerland. These nations were chosen to reflect diverse regions within Europe.
In countries participating in BPA biomonitoring, the share of the population with elevated BPA levels ranged from 71% to 100%, with an average around 92%. This pattern indicates widespread exposure and raises concerns about potential public health implications.
Experts emphasize that sustained high exposure to BPA could contribute to long-term health risks, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring, stricter product controls, and consumer choices aimed at reducing contact with BPA-containing items. Regulatory bodies continue to review evidence and update guidance to protect vulnerable groups while supporting safety in consumer products.
Earlier analyses highlighted the presence of BPA and other potentially harmful chemicals in hair straightening products, reinforcing concerns about cumulative exposure from multiple sources in daily life.