Do Acrylic Bathtubs Leach Chemicals?

One of the concerns when it comes to the production and use of plastic materials is the presence of some chemicals or compounds that can have harmful effects on health. One of the most commonly used compounds in plastic products is Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound that is used in making plastic to make it sturdier and stiffer. It is more commonly found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics and not in acrylic. Some studies on BPA show that it can affect the brain and prostate glands of fetuses, babies, and children and can cause infertility in both male and female adults.

Acrylic tub

Image courtesy, Amazon.com

Acrylic production, however, also involves the use of several chemicals and substances that have the potential to leach. There are no studies to prove that acrylic bathtubs leach chemicals though and structure-wise, acrylic tubs have a nonporous gel coating that should seal in any chemicals used in acrylic production.

Some factors can affect the structural integrity of the tub, however, such as improper use, lack of maintenance, and exposure to sunlight can cause degradation of the surface of the bathtub, which can also lead to the leaching of chemicals. Generally speaking, acrylic bathtubs are coated with a UV-resistant coating that should also minimize the potential of leaching.

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