Federal Environmental Agency warns of chemical bisphenol A

The Federal Environment Agency warns against the use of the chemical bisphenol A..

(11.06.2010) The Federal Environment Agency warns consumers and manufacturers against the use of bisphenol A chemical. The chemical is widely used, among other things in the production of cans, thermal paper, food packaging and even in baby bottles. The Federal Environment Agency asked manufacturers of such products to use alternative substances, as bisphenol A could have health consequences for humans. Although France, Canada and Denmark have banned the use of the bulk chemical bisphenol A for the production of baby bottles and other children's products, the European Food Safety Authority EFSA continues to classify the chemical as "harmless" to the consumer.

Numerous studies have shown that bisphenol A can be released from the products and thus reaches the human organism. The studies also found that the chemical behaves similarly to the female sex hormone estrogen. This can lead to disturbances in reproduction, as has been observed in mammals. The health consequences of this "everyday chemical" could not yet be clearly established in humans, but it seems reasonable to assume that bisphenol A behaves similarly. Federal Environment Minister Jochen Flasbarth said: "Although there are still data gaps from the Federal Environment Agency's perspective, existing knowledge should be sufficient to restrict the use of certain bisphenol A-containing products for precautionary reasons." However, there is currently no ban, but only a warning.

The organization "Women in Europe for a Common Future" (WECF) welcomed the warning from the Federal Office. The initiative has been working for a long time for a ban on the hazardous chemical, which is often used in children's toys. „As the UBA now publicly warns, bisphenol A can affect the hormone system in even the lowest doses and cause diseases such as cancer, fertility or developmental disorders. Babies, women and pregnant women are particularly sensitive“, said Alexandra Caterbow, chemicals expert for the initiative. Health damage has often been detected far below official limits. In animal experiments, i.a. mice were found to carry heart disease and diabetes through the chemical, according to the WECF.

Above all, it is criticized that bisphenol is not subject to declarations. So consumers could not check if the products contained bisphenol. Limit values ​​would not replace a general ban. After all, the "everyday chemical" would have nothing to look for in toys, cans or water bottles. The danger is greatest that the harmful chemical gets into the human organism. (Sb)

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Picture credits: Rolf van Melis /Pixelio.de.