Abstract
Plastics (plastic substances) has occured in our environment since the end of the 19th century. We look at the most common used plastics in everyday life - phenoplasts (food packaging, bottles, feeding bottles, medical devices etc.) Basic substance for the plastic production is bisphenol A (BA); amount of the synthesized BA exceeds 2.2 tonnes per year.
Polymerase reaction used for plastic production is not complete and then free monomers of BA molecules persist on the plastic surface and can release in the air or food especially during warming up. Bishenols belong to the endocrine disrupting chemicals; BA can combine sex hormones receptors; estrogennic and antiandrogennic effects of BA was described in some experimental studies.
Bisphenol A can combine also thyroid - receptors and antagonize thyroid hormones activity. Binding BA on glucocorticoid receptors might be projected to the glucose metabolism.
Experimental studies show, that BA exposition impaires insulin resistance and playa a role in type 2 diabetes development. Other prospective longitudinal human studies are needed to assess a relationship between BA exposition and health.