Can BPA replacement chemicals be linked to lower IQ in children?
In one 2025 child cohort, BPF exposure at age 4 was linked with lower IQ scores at age 6 in girls.
What is actually in it
BPF, BPS, and other bisphenols are replacement chemicals for BPA. They can be used when brands want to label a product BPA-free.
The study did not test a specific food container. It measured bisphenols in children's urine. That makes the finding about body exposure, not one exact product.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Environ Res followed 465 mother-child pairs. In girls, higher BPF levels at age 4 were linked with lower full-scale IQ and perceptual reasoning scores at age 6.
The authors said more studies are needed to confirm the finding. For daily meals, the practical move is simple: use glass or stainless steel for kids' food and drinks when you can, especially for warm food.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bisphenol analogs exposure in 4-year-old children and their intelligence quotient at 6 years: A prospective cohort study. | Environ Res | 2025 |