Atmospheric levels of BPA associated with particulate matter in an urban environment

GRAZIANI, NATALIA SOLEDAD; CARRERAS, HEBE; WANNAZ, EDUARDO

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Lugar: Londres; Año: 2019 vol. 5

2405-8440

Bisphenol A (BPA) belongs to the Endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC), which are capable of interfering with hormone related pathways and can cause adverse effects like on the reproductive system in wildlife and humans. As it has multiple applications and uses, mainly in the manufacturing of plastic and resin products, increasing amounts are being released into the environment with resulting enhanced exposure pathways. As negative effects have been demostrated, ever at low doses it has been increasingly studied. However, these investigations have focused on BPA leaching from food cans, drinks and other consumer products as the oral exposure route is believed to be the most important. Consequently, the potential hazards of dermal or inhalation exposure resulting from the current levels of BPA in the atmosphere are poorly understand. Of the few studies reporting BPA ocurrence in air, none of these were carried out in South American countries. Thus, the aim the present investigation was to assess BPA current levels in particulate matter in an urban environment (Córdoba, Argentina) and to analyze its spatial -temporal trends and the influence of metereological parameters using a medium volume air sampler. Our results suggested a spatial trend that decreased according to the emision sources in the order: Industrial área> City Centre> University campus, whose levels were comparable to other urban cities and with the temporal trend showing a higher prevalence of the compound in the colder months. Wind speed (WS), temperature (T°C) and atmospheric pressure (AP) were the variables that were most influenced by its presence. However daily values are unpredictable and depend mainly on the emision sources and punctual events that release it into the atmosphere. No risk factor could be was quantified since there is no reference value for this exposure route, but this study represents the first approach and provides data of this emergent pollutant in and Argentina city, there by contributing to the global BPA studies.