Is Your Wardrobe Toxic? The Shocking Truth About Bisphenol

That cute romper you just bought for your baby or the comfy t-shirt you love to lounge in on weekends may be exposing you and your family to a class of industrial chemicals called bisphenols that are linked to serious health concerns.

Bisphenols are a group of chemical compounds used to manufacture certain plastics and resins. The most infamous bisphenol is bisphenol A called as BPA. BPA is found in everything from plastic bottles and food containers to store receipts and electronics. Research has shown BPA can leach out of products into both the environment and the human body. The health impacts of BPA exposure, especially in children, have been hotly debated. Concerns include effects on reproduction, brain development, metabolism, and increased cancer risk.

Because of these concerns, major clothing and fashion brands such as H&M, Zara, Lululemon and Levi’s… have all banned the use of BPA and other bisphenols in their products over the past decade.

Bisphenol Types

There are many different types of bisphenols, but the most common ones are:

• Bisphenol A (BPA): The most widely used bisphenol, BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
• Bisphenol F (BPF): A substitute for BPA, BPF is found in thermal paper and some food packaging.
• Bisphenol S (BPS): Another substitute for BPA, BPS is found in some food packaging and thermal paper.
• Bisphenol M (BPM): Used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, BPM is less common than BPA, BPF, and BPS.
• Bisphenol AF (BPAF): A halogenated bisphenol, BPAF is used in the production of flame retardants.
• Bisphenol AP (BPAP): A bisphenol used in the production of epoxy resins.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous chemical found in everything from plastic bottles to receipts, has recently come under fire for its potential health risks. But what exactly is it, and why is its structure so important?

Unveiling the Structure

At first glance, bisphenol and phenol might seem like twins in the chemical world. They’re both organic compounds with a benzene ring and a hydroxyl group (-OH). But the devil, as they say, is in the details, and a single hydroxyl group makes all the difference!

Phenol: Think of phenol as the simpler sibling. It has one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring, like a single bead on a necklace. This simple structure makes it a versatile starting material for many other chemicals, like plastics and resins.

Now, bisphenol A (BPA) is the double troublemaker. It has two hydroxyl groups, like two beads strung together on a necklace. This slight tweak gives BPA a crucial ability: it can mimic the hormone estrogen, potentially disrupting our body’s hormonal balance.

Imagine a central benzene ring – a six-carbon ring shaped like a hexagon. Attached to two sides of this ring are hydroxyl groups (-OH), like tiny arms reaching out. Now, picture two identical benzene rings, each with a hydroxyl group, connected by a central carbon atom. That’s bisphenol A in a nutshell!

The two hydroxyl groups are the key players in BPA’s controversial nature. Their arrangement and chemical properties allow BPA to mimic the hormone estrogen, potentially disrupting delicate hormonal balance in the body. This mimicry is linked to various health concerns, including fertility problems, developmental delays, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.

Why Fashion needs Bisphenol: the threads of fuctionality

Despite the growing concerns surrounding bisphenol A (BPA), the fashion industry has clung to this chemical for years. But why? The reason lies in the alluring functionalities BPA offers, making it a seemingly indispensable thread in the intricate tapestry of garment creation.

Bisphenol A (BPA) plays a hidden but crucial role in dyeing, acting as a fixing agent. Imagine tiny dye molecules like colourful confetti scattered across the fabric. BPA acts like a sticky layer, binding the dye to the nylon fibers, preventing them from washing away. This ensures vibrant, long-lasting color, keeping your clothes looking fresh wash after wash.

Wrinkle Resistance: Imagine your crisp, freshly ironed shirt crinkling up like a forgotten napkin just hours into your day. No thanks! BPA-based resins come to the rescue, forming a protective shield on fabric fibers, preventing them from kinking and creasing. This wrinkle-free magic translates to effortless elegance and convenience for consumers.

 Water Repellence: Picture a sudden downpour ruining your favorite outfit. With traditional fabrics, that’s a real possibility. But BPA-infused coatings act like tiny umbrellas, repelling water droplets and keeping your clothes dry. This functionality is especially valuable for outdoor apparel, sportswear, and even everyday jackets, protecting both wearer and garment.

Flame Retardancy: Safety, of course, is paramount in fashion. BPA-based finishes can enhance a fabric’s resistance to fire, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental sparks or flames. This feature is crucial for certain types of clothing, like workwear or children’s pyjamas, offering peace of mind to both consumers and manufacturers.

However, these functional benefits come at a potential cost. The health concerns surrounding BPA are undeniable, casting a shadow over its continued use in the fashion industry. As safer alternatives emerge and consumer awareness grows, the tide may be turning towards a bisphenol-free future for fashion.

Understanding the Controversy

While BPA’s versatility and functionality made it a popular choice in many industries, including fashion, its potential health impacts cannot be ignored. As awareness grows, the fashion industry is increasingly exploring safer alternatives to BPA, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future.

Health threats woven into the fabric: Bisphenol’s Unwanted Legacy

Several studies have linked BPA exposure to a range of health issues, weaving a concerning tapestry:

• Hormonal Imbalances: BPA’s estrogen-mimicking properties can disrupt endocrine functions, potentially leading to fertility problems, menstrual irregularities, and even an increased risk of certain cancers.
• Developmental Delays: Exposure during pregnancy and early childhood has been linked to developmental delays and behavioural problems in children, posing a threat to our most vulnerable.
• Metabolic Disruptions: BPA may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, unravelling the threads of our well-being.

Industry initiations for Bisphenol free future

The growing movement to ban BPA from fashion demonstrates the industry’s evolving consciousness towards responsible sourcing and consumer care. Several initiatives are actively sewing a bisphenol-free future:

• The Detox Catwalk: This Greenpeace initiative encourages brands to disclose harmful chemicals used in their clothing and commit to phasing out harmful substances like BPA, challenging the industry to confront its hidden threads.
• ZDHC Roadmap to Zero: The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Roadmap outlines a collaborative effort among stakeholders to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the textile and footwear supply chain, including BPA, laying the groundwork for a healthier fashion ecosystem.
• Leading Brands Taking Action: Some major fashion brands, like H&M, Lululemon and Zara, have publicly announced their commitment to phasing out BPA from their products, setting an example for others to follow.

The growing movement to ban BPA from fashion demonstrates the industry’s evolving consciousness towards responsible sourcing and consumer care. As evidence regarding the health risks of BPA mounts, and safer alternatives emerge, the transition towards a BPA-free fashion future seems inevitable. This shift not only paves the way for a healthier world but also underscores the power of collective action in driving systemic change within the industry. By unravelling the threads of harmful chemicals and weaving in sustainable alternatives, the fashion world can continue to create beauty without compromising health.

Author:
Dileepa Fernando
MBA, BSc (Industrial Statistics),
Diploma in Textile Coloration & Finishing, Lean Yellow Belt