Posted on April 7, 2007  Comments (3)

Bisphenol A is a chemical compound used in plastics (and contained in many beverage and food container – water bottles…). There is debate over how dangerous it is. Studies have found health problems in animals and people (due to Bisphenol A exposure) but whether those studies indicate there is any problem with the real life exposures today is questioned. At a quick glance at the issue it seems to me the issue is worthy of continued study but the evidence of harm is not conclusive yet (the FDA, European Food Safety Authority and Japan have examined the issue and find current levels safe). However, I am concerned about the general increase it chemicals in our food supply, ground water… so I think this is an area that needs constant monitoring and increases in funding for public health studies. Obviously the industries effected have an interest in maintaining the status quo and influencing government to concur. Those pressures have to be offset by proper government research and oversight. Which is not easy to maintain.

I personally want to err on the side of safety even if that increases costs. But making those tradeoffs – costs versus safety are complicated for an entire economy. Examining the existing evidence to see if there is a high likelihood of danger is not that tricky (that seems to be no, right now, for Bisphenol A). But determining whether the likelihood of danger is too high in reality (not that has been proved yet) is much more difficult. Even deciding what things to devote resources to for further study is quite challenging.

Links: Bisphenol A Exposure In Utero Disrupts Early Oogenesis in the Mouse – Opinion of the Scientific Panel AFC related to 2,2-BIS(4-HYDROXYPHENYL)PROPANE – EPA on Bisphenol A. – ‘Inherently toxic’ chemical faces its future – European Safety Review – No Risk from Bisphenol A Exposure – Bisphenol A industry web site

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