Bisphenols
The plastic-hardener family behind epoxy paints, polycarbonate, and food-contact resins.
Toxic Chemical Databases
Where this family lands across the seven independent toxicology authorities we screen against.
Chemical Type
Endocrine-Active Plastic Monomer
Chemical Description
Bisphenol A (BPA) is the workhorse molecule that links together to form polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin. BPS, BPF, and BPAF are its structural cousins — manufacturers swapped to them after BPA's reputation soured, but the toxicology is similar. In construction, you meet bisphenols mainly as residual unreacted monomer in two-part epoxy coatings, polycarbonate skylight glazing, can linings inside metal duct sealants, and recycled-content concrete additives. Bisphenols are estrogen-mimics: they fit into the body's hormone receptors and send signals that aren't supposed to be there. Federal agencies have flagged developmental and reproductive endpoints in dozens of peer-reviewed studies. EBH specifies BPA-free coatings and avoids polycarbonate where any other material (glass, acrylic, or polyethylene) can do the job.
Chemical Structure
Molecular schematic for Bisphenols — formula and structural features shown below.
Biological Activity
Severity scores summarize hazard endpoints from IARC, NTP, EPA IRIS, ATSDR, and NIOSH on a 0–10 scale. Mirrors the system-level output of our SDS Toxic Chemical Screener.
Chemical Analogs and Brand Names
- Bisphenol A (BPA) — CAS 80-05-7
- Bisphenol S (BPS) — CAS 80-09-1
- Bisphenol F (BPF) — CAS 620-92-8
- Bisphenol AF (BPAF) — CAS 1478-61-1
- Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) — CAS 1675-54-3
- C
Top Health Consequences
- Endocrine disruption — estrogen and androgen receptor interference
- Reduced sperm quality and fertility endpoints in human and animal data
- Altered neurodevelopment, anxiety, and learning effects in early-life exposures
- Cardiovascular signaling changes including blood pressure and lipid handling
- Liver enzyme elevation with chronic dietary exposure
Pathways of Exposure
- Skin contact with curing epoxy primers, concrete sealers, and pipe-lining resins
- Inhalation of residual monomer from freshly-poured epoxy floors and countertops
- Hand-to-mouth uptake from polycarbonate dust during cutting or sanding
- Migration from canned-food linings and thermal-printed receipts (background load)
Substances in this Family
Each substance below has its own profile page with its own database flags, biological-activity scores, and exposure pathways — they are NOT interchangeable.
Building Materials with Bisphenols
Listed alphabetically. These are the product categories where this chemistry most often shows up — not an exhaustive list.
Concrete Sealers & Hardeners
Decorative Polycarbonate Glazing
Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy Grouts & Adhesives
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Panels
Polycarbonate Skylights
Pre-Finished Engineered Wood
Tank & Pipe Linings
Two-Part Marine & Industrial Coatings
Vinyl & Resilient Flooring