The Detection of BPA in Clothing Using Fluorescence Spectrophotometry

Date of Award

4-17-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Chemistry

First Reader

Dr. Sara Hubbard

Second Reader

Dr. Sharon Hamilton

Third Reader

Professor Hallie Wallace

Abstract

Bisphenol-A, better known as BP A, is a carcinogenic compound found in many plastic-containing products due to its ability to add rigidity and strength to the plastic. However, BP A has been found in a wide variety of products not traditionally thought of as "plastic" including feminine hygiene products, printer receipts, and even clothing. Clothing containing a polyester/spandex blend, common in athletic wear, contains BP A, whereas traditional cotton clothing does not. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the presence of BPA in these types of clothing was confirmed, as well as measured over time. Strips of clothing containing polyester and spandex blends were submerged in a 50%/50% Methanol/Water solution for varying amounts of time, allowing for BP A to seep out of the material. At specific increments, the solution was then assessed for BPA presence using fluorescence spectroscopy, showing both a presence of BPA in these clothing products and an increase in free-BP A over time. This indicates possible dermal exposure to BPA through clothing (which is traditionally excluded from human BP A exposure analysis) as well as environmental exposure through clothing discarded in landfills.

Comments

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