Article: FDA admits BPA exposure of some concern

January 24, 2010

FDA Says Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure Is of 'Some Concern' for Infants and

Children

The FDA has shifted its stance on bisphenol A (BPA) and said that exposure to

the chemical is of " some concern " for infants and children. Previously, the

agency's stance was the chemical posed no risk to humans; this stance was

consistent with the chemical industry's stance.

FDA officials have now declared that more research was needed and suggested

reasonable steps to reduce exposure to BPA. Frederick vom Saal, a University of

Missouri scientist, says that this stance is a step forward but more steps need

to be taken. Since 1997, research from vom Saal and other MU colleagues have

shown adverse health effects of BPA at exposure levels below those currently

considered safe by the FDA. Vom Saal has received more than $1 million of the

$30 million that government agencies, including the NIH, have committed in the

next 18 to 25 months to study the health risks of BPA exposure.

" The FDA formally acknowledging concern about BPA and working with NIH to

incorporate research from outside of the chemical industry is a huge step

forward, " said vom Saal, who is a Curator's professor of biological sciences in

MU's College of Arts and Science. " The FDA position presented today [January 19}

is consistent with the position that the National Toxicology Program made two

years ago. Since then, considerable published research reaffirmed the health

dangers of BPA. The FDA says they want to respond more quickly. Now, 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 by BPA in products used by adults as well as infants. "

BPA is a one of the world's highest production-volume chemicals and has been

used for 40 years to make hard plastic items, such as, drinking glasses, baby

bottles, food-storage containers, the lining of food and beverage containers,

and dental sealants. Previous studies have shown adverse health effects of BPA

on the brain and reproductive system, as well as metabolic diseases in

laboratory animals.

" The Japanese industry voluntarily removed BPA from can linings 10 years ago and

thus, were able to reduce exposure to BPA by 50 percent, " vom Saal said. " Last

year, Congress asked companies in the United States to take similar actions;

however, companies have made no move toward compliance. A huge problem facing

the FDA is that it does not have the regulatory authority to even determine what

products contain BPA, and Congress will have to pass new laws giving the FDA the

authority it needs to regulate chemicals such as BPA. "

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