Surreal image of plastic fragments around a mouth symbolizing BPA exposure and potential health risks.

Bisphenol A (BPA) & Oral Cancer: Is There a Hidden Link?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Emerging research suggests a potential connection between BPA exposure and increased oral and oropharyngeal cancer risks. Understand the facts and how to protect yourself."

In our daily lives, we're surrounded by chemicals, some of which may have unforeseen health consequences. One such chemical is Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastics and resins. While its use is widespread, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on our health, including a possible link to oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancers, affecting the mouth and throat, are significant health challenges worldwide. While factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection are well-established risk factors, scientists are exploring other potential contributors. This is where BPA comes into the spotlight.

This article explores the emerging research investigating the potential link between BPA exposure and the development of oral cancer. We will break down the science, explore how BPA might play a role, and offer practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure and protect your health.

What is BPA and Why Should You Be Concerned?

Surreal image of plastic fragments around a mouth symbolizing BPA exposure and potential health risks.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1950s. It's found in a wide array of products, including:

The concern around BPA stems from the fact that it's an endocrine disruptor. This means it can interfere with the body's hormones, potentially leading to a variety of health problems.

Food and beverage containers: Water bottles, food storage containers, and the lining of canned goods.
Dental materials: Some dental composites and sealants.
Other products: Electronics, thermal paper (receipts), and some household items.

Studies suggest that BPA can leach into food and beverages from containers, especially when heated. This means we're often exposed to low levels of BPA through our diet. While regulatory agencies like the FDA maintain that BPA is safe at current exposure levels, ongoing research continues to explore potential risks, particularly with long-term exposure.

Take Control of Your Exposure

While the research on BPA and oral cancer is still emerging, taking proactive steps to reduce your exposure to BPA is a sensible approach to safeguarding your overall health. By making informed choices and adopting simple lifestyle changes, you can minimize your potential risk and promote a healthier future. Prioritize fresh, whole foods, minimize processed foods in cans, and opt for BPA-free alternatives whenever possible. Your health is an investment, and every small step counts.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.11.007, Alternate LINK

Title: Could The Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol-A Be Implicated In The Pathogenesis Of Oral And Oropharyngeal Cancer? Metabolic Considerations And Future Directions

Subject: Endocrinology

Journal: Metabolism

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Rodopi Emfietzoglou, Nikolaos Spyrou, Christos S. Mantzoros, Maria Dalamaga

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Bisphenol A (BPA) and why is it a cause for concern?

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of certain plastics and resins since the 1950s. It's concerning because BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body's hormones. This interference may potentially lead to various health problems. It's found in many common items like food and beverage containers, some dental materials, electronics, and even thermal paper receipts. Because BPA can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated, we are often exposed to it through our diet.

How might Bisphenol A (BPA) be linked to oral and oropharyngeal cancers?

Research suggests a potential link between exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and an increased risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the mouth and throat. While established risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection are known, BPA is being investigated as a potential contributor. The concern is that BPA's properties as an endocrine disruptor may play a role in the development or progression of these cancers.

What practical steps can I take to reduce my exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) in everyday life?

You can reduce your exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) by prioritizing fresh, whole foods and minimizing the consumption of processed foods that are often packaged in cans. Whenever possible, choose BPA-free alternatives for water bottles, food storage containers, and other products. Being mindful of the products you use daily and making informed choices can help minimize your potential exposure to BPA.

What is the official stance of regulatory agencies like the FDA regarding the safety of Bisphenol A (BPA)?

Regulatory agencies like the FDA maintain that Bisphenol A (BPA) is safe at current exposure levels. This assessment is based on the available scientific evidence and established safety standards. However, ongoing research continues to explore potential risks associated with long-term exposure to BPA, particularly concerning its effects as an endocrine disruptor. The FDA's position reflects a balance between the widespread use of BPA and the need to protect public health, with continuous monitoring and evaluation of new scientific findings.

What are endocrine disruptors, and how can Bisphenol A (BPA) as an endocrine disruptor impact overall health?

Endocrine disruptors, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), can interfere with the body's endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and regulating hormones. This interference can have wide-ranging effects on various bodily functions, including growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism. Because hormones play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, disruption of the endocrine system by BPA or other similar chemicals can potentially contribute to various health problems. Understanding the potential impact of endocrine disruptors is essential for promoting public health and developing strategies to minimize exposure.