Determination of free and total bisphenol A in urine of infants

Infants may be particularly sensitive regarding hormonally active compounds such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which is widely distributed and exhibits weak oestrogenic activity. Since only free (unconjugated) BPA exhibits endocrine activity, both free and total (after hydrolysis of conjugates) BPA were determined in urine samples of infants to support valid risk assessments. Free BPA was observed above the LOQ in only 3 of 91 (3%) samples from 47 infants. As total BPA was observed in only 38 (42%) urine samples, with concentrations between

Research highlights
► We present here to our knowledge for the first time biomonitoring data for free and total BPA in 1 and 2 month old infants collected via urine bags. In contrast to the study of Calafat et al. the infants were not exposed to chemicals via medical devices.
► We show for the first time biomonitoring data of infants after use of BPA-containing BPA-bottles in contrast to infants without use of PC-bottles.
► We show that very young infants show some capacity to metabolise BPA comparatively to adults.
► We calculate daily uptake of BPA for infants to make a valid risk assessment.