What is Bisphenol A and how is it used?

Bisphenol A (BPA, chemical name: 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane) is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic or epoxy resins which include some food packaging materials. Products using BPA include reusable plastic containers for food and beverages, baby bottles, tableware, microwave oven ware, and the linings of cans used for food products. Polycarbonate and epoxy resins are also used in other everyday consumer products such as cell phones, computers, household appliances, bicycle helmets and flooring. BPA has been used in the manufacture of these materials for many years. Recent attention to Bisphenol A (BPA) in North America stems from government actions to reduce further exposure of consumers to BPA for precautionary reasons.

Related Information
1) EPA Statement Regarding Endocrine Disruptor Low-Dose Hypothesis, March 26, 2002 (http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/docs/edmvs/lowdosepolicy.pdf)

2) NTP Report of the Endocrine Disruptor Low Dose Peer Review, August 1, 2001
(http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/liason/LowDosePeerFinalRpt.pdf)

3) European Commission Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Bisphenol A (http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/scf/out128_en.pdf)

4) UK Food Standards Agency Statement on a Survey of Bisphenols in Canned foods (http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/bisphenols.pdf)

5) European Food Safety Authority Statement regarding the re-evaluation of BPA safety, January 29, 2007 (http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/science/afc/afc_opinions/bisphenol_a.html)

6) European Food Safety Authority Fact Sheet on BPA, February 26, 2007 (http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press_room/questions_and_answers/faq_on_bisphenol_a.html)

7) Meeting Summary, National Toxicology Program, Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, Expert Panel Evaluation of Bisphenol A (http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/bisphenol/draftBPA_MtgSumm080807.pdf)

8) Ausgewählte Fragen und Antworten zu Bisphenol A in Babyfläschchen. Aktualisierte FAQ vom 29. Januar 2007 (http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/7195)