Aggregated Exposure to Bisphenol A in China: A Holistic Risk Assessment via Oral, Dermal, and Inhalation Routes

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is widely used in plastics and resins. It migrates into food and drinking water from food contact material and is also released into environmental media such as air and dust. Consequently, human exposure occurs not only via dietary intake but also through dermal contact and inhalation. We conducted an aggregated exposure assessment by integrating dietary and non-dietary exposure sources. Dietary exposure was estimated based on BPA concentration data from our nationwide survey and food consumption data from the China Food Consumption Surveys. Dietary exposure for exclusively breastfed infants was assessed based on scenario assumptions and data from the literature. Non-dietary exposure incorporated sources from environmental media (air, dust) and consumer products such as toys, skincare products, and thermal paper, mainly using data retrieved from the literature. In 14 age-gender groups, the mean and 95th percentile (P95) dietary exposure levels ranged from 145.39 to 332.47 ng/kg BW and 300.00 to 706.61 ng/kg BW, respectively; the mean and P95 aggregated exposure levels ranged from 157.98 to 432.04 ng/kg BW and 332.04 to 1661.79 ng/kg BW, respectively. Both the dietary and aggregated exposure levels were lower than the temporary tolerable daily intake (4 μg/kg BW) previously established, suggesting a low health risk of dietary BPA exposure and a low level of aggregated BPA exposure in the population of China. Therefore, based on current exposure levels, BPA is not a priority concern for public health in China.