Limit the use of BPA due to health risks, scientists claim

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Limit the use of BPA due to health risks, scientists claim

Exposure to chemicals found in plastics from everyday products should be

limited, a group of 60 scientists has urged.

By

Published: 7:44AM BST 23 Jun 2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7848463/Limit-the-use-of-BPA-due-to\

-health-risks-scientists-claim.html

They claim that bisphenol A (BPA), the mass-produced chemical used to make

plastics harder, poses health hazards and could cause developmental problems

in foetuses, young children and pregnant mothers.

The compound is found in baby bottles, most food and drink cans - including

those used for infant formula milk - plastic containers, the casings of

mobile phones and other electronic goods.

In a letter to the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) the academics, who

are from environmental, health and women's organisations around the world,

said that " many scientific studies are now calling into question the safety

of BPA " .

In April this year it was disclosed that Mothercare still sells baby bottles

containing BPA even though most manufacturers had phased it out.

The United States, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden have already taken

steps to limit the use of BPA in products.

The UK Food Standards Agency, however, believes that the chemical is safe

but is awaiting the results of a report by the Efsa next month.

The new letter was co-ordinated by Breast Cancer UK, the charity, and is

signed by 40 organisations and 19 academics, including 14 professors.