bisphenol A
In the chemical family: Bisphenol A & BADGE
On September 3, 2008, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) raised concerns that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen and plastics chemical, during pregnancy and childhood could impact the developing breast and prostate and affect brain development and behavior in American children. On Oct. 17, the Canadian government classified BPA as "toxic" and moved toward restricting the substance in baby bottles and formula. These actions mark a historic shift from previous regulatory stances on BPA's safety, both in the U.S. and abroad, and reflect a growing body of science demonstrating BPA's potential toxicity at current levels of exposure. In particular, the NTP decision reversed the findings of a previous NTP advisory panel, whose review process was driven by a private contractor with links to BPA producers [see complete timeline of BPA actions]
EWG GUIDES
EWG has forcefully advocated for health protective safety standards to limit BPA exposures. Our analysis of the risks posed by BPA contamination of canned food and infant formula and documentation of BPA use by every major formula producer led to a congressional inquiry into BPA in formula packaging and FDA's safety assessment. Manufacturers like Nalgene and Playtex have announced a phaseout of BPA plastics, and retail giants like Wal-Mart and Toys"R"Us will discontinue sales of these products.
Despite recent progress, BPA is a signature compound in the fight for reform of the nation's toxic chemicals laws. Studies indicate that nearly every American is exposed to the chemical and that infants and children are at the highest risk for BPA toxicity. Daily exposures may exceed levels harmful in laboratory studies; the associated effects—breast and prostate cancer, early puberty and behavior problems—are on the rise. Despite the urgency of the issue, the federal government has only the most clumsy and convoluted authority to control BPA use and reduce exposure to populations at risk.
The Food and Drug Administration is currently evaluating the safety of BPA exposures, with particular focus on infants who take in much more of the chemical from infant formula and baby bottles. FDA has indicated in its draft assessment (August 2008) that it plans to ignore dozens of studies showing BPA's potential to harm health at low doses. The FDA's final decision will be made at an October 31st meeting of the Agency's Science Board.
Right now, the burden of proof is on EWG and its allies in the scientific, health, consumer advocacy and environmental fields to prove to regulatory agencies that chemicals like BPA are dangerous. Even when they are presented with compelling and rigorous scientific studies, regulators become mired for years, even decades, in draining skirmishes with the U.S. chemical industry, which generates $664 billion in annual global sales and boasts a hand in 96% of U.S. manufactured goods.
EWG believes that the regulatory process is upside-down. EWG is working to prevent more children from coming into the world pre-polluted.
That's why we support passage of comprehensive new federal legislation, the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act. This bill would put the burden of proof where it belongs. The Kid-Safe Act will force manufacturers to prove that chemicals are safe BEFORE they're allowed on the market.
If you agree, let your elected representatives know, and sign the Kid-Safe declaration at: http://kidsafechemicals.com
EWG Resources:
EWG Research on bisphenol A
Related News Clips on bisphenol A
Health Effects related to bisphenol A: Birth or developmental effects, Cancer, Endocrine system, Reproduction and fertility
Routes of Exposure related to bisphenol A:
- Consumer products: polycarbonate plastics
- Environment
- Food: baby food, canned food linings
- Found in people
- Water
More chemicals in Bisphenol A & BADGE: badge-4oh, view all...
