Can BPA damage thyroid cells?
Yes, in lab cells. A 2026 Journal of Applied Toxicology study found BPA caused DNA damage and cell-type-specific toxicity in human thyroid cell lines.
What is actually in it
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is used in some polycarbonate plastics and epoxy can linings. It can move into food and drinks, especially when plastic is heated, scratched, old, or used with acidic foods.
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck. It helps control energy, body temperature, heart rate, and growth. Because BPA can act on hormone systems, researchers study how it affects thyroid cells.
What the research says
A 2026 Journal of Applied Toxicology study exposed human thyroid cell lines to BPA for 24 and 48 hours. The researchers tested normal follicular thyroid cells plus papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines.
BPA caused DNA damage in normal thyroid cells at the specific migration limit used in Brazilian regulations, 1 microgram per milliliter. Normal follicular thyroid cells also showed 60% mortality at that dose after 24 hours. The study found different effects by cell type.
This was a lab-cell study. It does not prove that one plastic container damages a person’s thyroid. It does support a careful habit: reduce repeated BPA contact from food and drink storage.
What to do next
Use glass for hot food, leftovers, sauces, and acidic foods. Do not microwave plastic. Replace scratched plastic containers. If you use canned foods often, vary the brands and choose glass-packed foods when you can.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bisphenol A Induces DNA Damage and Differential Cytotoxicity in Thyroid Cells: High-Dose Effects Challenge Regulatory Thresholds. | J Appl Toxicol | 2026 |