Chapter 2. Genotoxicity and Mutagenicity of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical. Various factors, including extensive environmental contamination, ubiquitous human exposure, and low-dose effects, have contributed to its being banned by several countries. However, the ability of BPA to induce genotoxicity has been hotly debated since both in vitro and in vivo data have shown conflicting results. Based on the general notion that all mutagens are genotoxic, but not all genotoxic chemicals are mutagenic, if BPA is mutagenic, it would most definitely be genotoxic in nature. However, the data on BPA as a potential mutagen are also conflicting and scarce. Here we review studies reporting the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of BPA and discuss why more substantial data is needed to clarify the role of BPA as a genotoxicant or mutagen.