Bisphenol A is a chemical manufactured in large quantities. It is estimated that 1,150 tonnes/year are produced and used in Western Europe. Almost 96 % of BPA is used as a monomer for the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. Other applications include its use as stabilizing agent in plastics, as antioxidant in tire production, and as basic chemical in the production of certain flame retardants. The BPA-based materials are used in food and beverage containers, protective coating, automotive lenses, optical lenses, adhesives, powder paints, building materials, compact disks, thermal paper, paper coatings, dental, surgical, and prosthetical materials [3, 4]. The production and extensive use of these materials result in the release of this compound into the environment during processing, handling, and transportation of final products. It was estimated that 39.5 % of the total environmental release of BPA comprised total air release, 1 % water release, 54 % land release, and 5.4 % underground injection [3].

Various in vitro and in vivo assays showed that BPA presents estrogenic activity, and consequently, it is considered as important organic pollutant [3]. BPA may cause a variety of adverse effects on reproduction and development of exposed organisms, being more striking and irreversible during embryonic development. These effects may occur even at doses of BPA well below those showing adverse effects in routine toxicity studies [3–7].

The US-EPA, under the Toxic Substances Control Act, indents to consider initiating rulemaking to identify BPA on the Concern List as a substance that may present an unreasonable risk to the environment on the basis of its potential for long-term adverse effects on growth, reproduction, and development in aquatic species at concentrations similar to those found in the environment [4]. BPA is candidate to be among the first substances to go through Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) in EU registration (EU Regulation No 1907/2006). Canada was the first country that has classified BPA as toxic substance and announced restriction of imports, sales, and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA. Recently, the European Commission published a new directive (2011/8/EU) to restrict bisphenol A in feeding bottles that are intended for use by infants under the age of 12 months [8]. According to this directive, member states are required to prohibit the manufacture of polycarbonate feeding bottles containing BPA as well as their import and sale in EU.

The study of the occurrence of BPA in various environmental compartments, in food, in dental materials, and in biological fluids contributes to the knowledge on the environmental fate of this compound, the possible pathways of exposure, the biotransformation mechanisms, and the possible risks. In order to identify and determine trace levels of BPA in complex matrices, sensitive analytical methods are required.

A number of analytical methods have been developed for the determination of BPA. The general scheme of analysis usually comprises isolation from samples through extraction, cleanup steps, and determination by employing a sensitive analytical technique. The major problems associated with the analysis are possible loss or contamination during sampling and storage, the need of preconcentration and, possibly, of cleanup, as well as the need for highly efficient separation procedures and selective detection techniques. Reliable analytical procedures require detailed method validation and careful evaluation. In addition, sampling and sample preparation should be considered integrally with the characterization of an analytical procedure.