BPAn.
/biːpiːˈeɪ/, U.S. /ˌbiˌpiˈeɪ/ Chemistry.
Bisphenol A, a compound used in the manufacture of plastics, esp. epoxy resins and polycarbonates. Cf. bisphenol A n. at bisphenol n. Compounds 2.Bisphenol A is a xenoestrogen and there are concerns about its health effects and persistence in the environment.
ΚΠ
1961 Chem. & Rubber Industry Rep. Oct. 12/1 (table) Japanese imports of agricultural pesticides in preparations, 1958–60... BPA.
1995 Sci. News 3 June 341/1 This hormone-mimicking contaminant—bisphenol-A (BPA)—appears to leach from the plastic resins coating the inside of affected cans.
2013 Wall St. Jrnl. 15 Oct. a6/6 The work isn't nearly enough to prove a link, but it adds to ‘the biological plausibility’ that BPA might affect fertility and other aspects of health.
Compounds
BPA-free adj. (esp. of plastic consumer goods, such as baby bottles, toys, food and drink packaging, etc.) made without the use of bisphenol A.
ΚΠ
2003 Sci. News 5 Apr. 214/1 To clinch the case against BPA, the team recreated the accidental exposure by housing some mice in newly damaged polycarbonate cages and others in BPA-free cages.
2007 Winnipeg Free Press 11 Aug. c3/4 Wherever possible, purchase baby food in glass containers and select plastic baby bottles that are BPA-free.
2016 Guardian (Nexis) 31 Mar. While companies should be applauded for switching to BPA-free lining in their cans, they need to make sure they aren't swapping out one potentially dangerous chemical for another.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, June 2019; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1961