California decides not to list BPA as a toxic chemical

Jul 17, 2009 4:10 PM

A scientific panel voted unanimously not to include bisphenol A (BPA) on California’s list of known developmental and reproductive toxins yesterday. The state reviews suspected toxins under its Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, and products that contain listed chemicals are subject to warning labels.

Consumer Reports first reported on the dangers of BPA when we tested baby bottles nearly a decade ago. The chemical can mimic estrogen, and research has suggested that BPA may be linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, reproductive abnormalities, neurobehaviorial problems, and other health problems in children and adults. The chemical can be found in polycarbonate plastics (usually labeled No. 7), commonly used for baby bottles and sports bottles, as well as in the lining of many canned foods and beverages.

In a statement, Consumers Union’s West Coast office director, Elisa Odabashian, and technical policy director, Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., say they are "deeply dismayed that, in the face of mounting scientific evidence showing the disturbing health effects of BPA, the chemical is not being listed as a developmental or reproductive toxin."

Following the announcement, the Natural Resources Defense Council filed a legal petition with the state’s Environmental Protection Agency asking for another review. An NRDC scientist blogged that, "the U.S. National Toxicology Program concluded that there is widespread exposure to BPA and that it is possible that BPA exposure affects human development or reproduction and found ‘clear evidence of adverse effects’ in laboratory animals including fetal death, reduced growth, and delayed puberty from BPA. The committee ignored this important information, and we believe it needs to be considered and the public must be warned."

Despite the setback, there is currently a wave of BPA regulation. Canada, Minnesota, Chicago, and Suffolk County, N.Y., have passed bans on certain uses, and there’s pending legislation in many other states, including California, as well as a potential federal ban making its way through Congress.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Read more on BPA and our efforts to get the FDA to ban it at GreenerChoices.org, and learn how to reduce your family's exposure to BPA.