The National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, announced two years ago that there is "some concern" about developmental and reproductive problems in infants and children exposed to the estrogen-like chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Now FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg has announced that her agency agrees with the conclusion of the National Toxicology Program, and the FDA is launching new research that may lead to regulation of the chemical.
BPA, an ingredient of polycarbonate plastic, can seep from hard plastic beverage containers, such as baby bottles and sippy cups, as well as from liners in cans containing food and infant formula. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of the FDA, stressed that while they are not advising parents to stop using bottles and cans that contain BPA, they are recommending that people use alternatives when available, throw out worn or scratched containers, and avoid exposing the bottle to hot liquids or high temperatures which can cause the BPA to leach out.
Shannon Coughlin, of the Breast Cancer Fund, commented that her group is concerned that the announcement does not go far enough to protect public health and even sends a mixed message to consumers.
The National Toxicology Program report in 2008 indicated that there was "some concern" that fetuses, babies, and children were in danger because BPA harmed animals at low levels found in nearly all human bodies. The report stated that BPA "can cause changes in behavior and the brain, prostate gland, and the age at which females attain puberty."
Frederick von Saal, a University of Missouri biologist who is a leading expert studying BPA's health effects, commented that the FDA's announcement is a major step forward. He said, "We will see if they are really able to respond to the huge amount of new science showing dangers not recognized two years ago. They should move quickly to restrict the use of BPA in products used by adults as well as infants."
On the other hand, the American Chemistry Council issued a statement that "regulatory agencies around the world, which have recently reviewed the research, have reached conclusions that support the safety of BPA." The chemical has been used as a building block in polycarbonate plastic for approximately 50 years.
A bill authored by Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif, would ban BPA from baby bottles and other reusable food containers; and it would require warning labels on cans that contain BPA.
In response to consumer demand, many baby bottle and sports bottle manufacturers have stopped making products with BPA.
--Source: "FDA shifts stance on BPA, announces "some concern" about children's health," Marla Cone, Environmental Health News, January 15, 2010
