Bisphenol A and Phthalates: Public Knowledge and Risk Perception

Intro: Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are compounds found in many plastic products including food containers, water bottles, and medical intravenous tubing. Despite widespread human exposure and growing concern regarding potential health effects, little is known about public awareness. The goal of our study was to assess public knowledge and risk perception of BPA and phthalates in Vermont. Methods: A written survey was administered at three separate locations in Chittenden County, Vermont. Locations were chosen to obtain a random sample of Vermont residents. A total of 112 surveys were completed. Results: The majority of subjects (94.6%) knew exposure to chemicals in plastics might cause adverse health effects, but fewer subjects (50%) could identify BPA/phthalates specifically. Knowledge of BPA and phthalates was correlated with education level. Although the majority of people (75%) knew that microwaving plastics might cause adverse health effects, a large proportion of survey participants reported use of plastics in the microwave (81.3%). Both mercury in fish and chemicals in plastics were considered to be less of a health risk than UV sun exposure and cigarettes. The majority of participants learned about BPA/phthalates through word of mouth (50.9%), newspaper (35.7%) and television (28.6%). Conclusions: Overall, chemicals in plastics were perceived as being a moderate health risk. “Word of mouth” was reported as the most valuable tool for disseminating information regarding environmental health hazards. Our study results describe characteristics of public awareness that can inform future development of public health educational strategies related to the use of BPA and phthalates.