Bisphenol Chemicals Linked to Global Rise in Metabolic Disorders

A recent study in Science of The Total Environment found that exposure to bisphenol compounds—including BPA, BPS, and BPF—contributed to more than 127 million cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome worldwide in 2024. While European regulations successfully cut BPA exposure by about a third, the use of replacement chemicals has surged: BPS exposure rose 47% and BPF by 22%, together accounting for over three-quarters of bisphenol-related disease globally.

The analysis indicates that reducing global bisphenol exposure by 50% could prevent nearly 50 million cases of metabolic disorders and save $420 billion annually. Researchers warn that regulating BPA alone is insufficient because the substitutes pose similar metabolic risks.

They recommend treating bisphenols as a chemical class rather than individually, ensuring substitutes are properly evaluated to avoid a false sense of safety and to effectively curb the worldwide health impact.

08-12-2025