Tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF) is a new coating intended as a safer replacement[1] for bisphenol A and bisphenol F to use in epoxy linings of aluminium cans and steel cans. It was previously suggested as an insulator in electronic circuit boards.[2]
Polymerization of tetramethyl bisphenol F occurs with epichlorohydrin when heated between 40 and 70 °C using an alkali as a catalyst to form the resin used as a coating.[3]
Health and environmental effects
Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory and skin irritation. Very toxic to aquatic life.[4]
Human endocrine effects
TMBPF does not have any effect on the endocrine system; it does not leach out of cans because unlike BPA it is fully polymerized when deposited on the metal, so there is no free chemical to leach out.[2] Tetramethyl bisphenol F was tested on rats to see if there were effects like male or female hormones. It had almost no effects like this.[5] However, a different study did find effects.[6]