Ethics in Medicine

Progess. Hazard Warning for Bisphenol A

Kristen Sparrow • April 04, 2013

 
Bisphenol A, chemical endocrine disruptor might get a hazard warning. We’ve been discussing this on the blog for a few years now. (Here, here and here.) (“A flurry of research”, showing it to be harmful may cause “flurries of lawsuits.” Funny.)
 

By now, many environmentally conscious consumers are wary of bisphenol A, a chemical in food containers, plastic bottles and other household items.
A California state agency is wary, too, and will soon decide whether to call the compound a reproductive toxicant and place restrictions on it. In 2009, when it last took up the matter, a panel of experts said there wasn’t enough evidence.
Since then, a flurry of research in the Bay Area and across the nation has made deeper inroads into understanding the role that BPA may play in cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopment, infertility and other health conditions…
The group has petitioned California’s Environmental Protection Agency to add BPA to the state’s annual list of suspect chemicals under the consumer-safety law Proposition 65.
BPA leaches out of hard plastics, the linings of canned food and beverages, sales receipts and dental sealants. If it makes the list, manufacturers would be required by law to put warning labels on potentially hundreds of products that contain hazardous levels of BPA. Manufacturers that ignore the law could be hit with a flurry of lawsuits...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expressed some concerns about the potential health risks of BPA, but believes that very low levels of exposure through food and drink are safe for humans. (yeah, right)
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/BPA-may-be-labeled-toxicant-by-state-4404704.php#ixzz2PXR9MQKp