Identifying key determinants of bisphenol A exposure: a study utilizing sparse additive models (SpAM) on a cohort of 1332 adult males in South Korea

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is a significant concern in South Korea due to high plastic consumption. This study investigates the factors influencing BPA exposure among adult males. Methods: Using data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS), Sparse Additive Models (SpAM) and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze BPA exposure in 1332 adult males, considering eleven variables including age, smoking, alcohol consumption and food packaging-related factors. Results: Age emerged as the most significant predictor of BPA exposure. Smoking and alcohol consumption also showed substantial effects. Packaged and canned food consumption were also identified as significant contributors, indicating potential leaching from packaging materials. New furniture purchase showed moderate effects. Conclusions: This study highlights age, lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol), and food packaging as key factors influencing BPA exposure in South Korean adult males. These findings contribute to the evidence base for public health interventions aimed at reducing BPA exposure. Future research should explore longitudinal data and genetic factors for personalized strategies.