What is the Difference Between BPA and BPS?

The main difference between BPA (bisphenol A) and BPS (bisphenol S) lies in their chemical structure and environmental impact. Both are organic compounds used in the manufacturing of plastics and epoxy resins, but they have distinct properties and health concerns.

• Chemical Structure: BPA contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, while BPS contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms. BPA has a dimethylmethylene group as the central linker, while BPS has a sulfone group (SO2) as the central linker.
• Environmental Impact: BPS is not persistent in the environment and is more biodegradable than BPA. However, it has been found in indoor dust, thermal paper cash receipts, plastics, and linings of beverage and food cans.
• Health Concerns: Both BPA and BPS have been associated with various health issues, such as hormone disruption, obesity, and cancer. A study by the CDC found BPS in the urine of 93% of Americans tested. BPS exposure has also been linked to impaired neural function and other health problems in children.

While BPS has been marketed as a safer alternative to BPA, recent studies show that it can be just as harmful and may interfere with hormones. To minimize exposure to both BPA and BPS, it is recommended to use products made of stainless steel, glass, or wood, and opt for digital receipts or those made from non-BPA/BPS-containing thermal paper.

Comparative Table: BPA vs BPS

Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are both chemicals used in the production of plastics and have similar properties. However, there are some differences between the two, especially in terms of their environmental impact and regulation. Here is a table comparing the two:

Despite concerns about the potential health risks associated with BPA, it is still approved for use in food packaging in the United States. BPS has been used as a substitute for BPA in some applications, but its safety and environmental impact are less well-known. Both chemicals have been detected in various environmental samples, including water, soil, sediments, and sewage effluents.