A-Z topics

BISPHENOL A

Overview

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in the manufacture of many consumer plastic products. BPA is used in the manufacture of products such as hard polycarbonate water bottles, some baby bottles, and the lining of food cans and bottle tops. Concerns have been raised as to whether some polymers used in dental sealants or composites could contain trace amounts of BPA.

Laboratory testing suggests that BPA may affect reproduction and development in animals (by mimicking the effects of the female hormone estrogen). To date, these effects have not been observed in humans.

The ADA believes any concern about potential BPA exposure from dental sealants or composites is unwarranted at this time. When compared with other sources of BPA, these dental materials pose significantly lower exposure concerns.

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ADA News

• Evidence indicates dental materials not a Bisphenol A exposure risk (May 27, 2008)
• Panel reviews Bisphenol A for report (August 31, 2007)

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The Journal of the American Dental Association
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• Evidence-Based Clinical Recommendations for the Use of Pit-and-Fissure Sealants: A Report of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs (March 2008)
• A Message from the Division of Science (September 2006)
• Exposure to Bisphenol A from Bis-Glycidyl Dimethacrylate–Based Dental Sealants (March 2006)
• Direct and Indirect Restorative Materials (April 2003)
• Pharmacokinetics of Bisphenol A Released from a Dental Sealant (January 2000)
• Minimizing Patients’ Exposure to Uncured Components in a Dental Sealant (December 1999)
• BIS-GMA–Based Resins in Dentistry: Are They Safe? (February 1999)
• In Vitro Elution of Leachable Components from Dental Sealants (November 1997)
• Dental Materials and Estrogenicity (September 1996)

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Additional Resources

• ADA Update—April 2007 | PDF file/72k
• Bisphenol A and Dental Sealants, Composite Dental Fillings
• Bisphenol A (BPA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Draft of NTP Brief on Bisphenol A. [CAS No. 80-05-7], National Toxicology Program | PDF file/544k
• Is There a Risk of Harm or Toxicity in the Placement of Pit and Fissure Sealant Materials? A Systematic Review
• Spotlight on Bisphenol A, US Center For Disease Control and Prevention
  | PDF file/61k
• Testimony Concerning Food Contact Materials that Contain BPA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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