On March 3, 2016 the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) released the second part of its report on bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7). This document issues recommendations for risk management of BPA as a human health and environmental hazard. The first part of RIVM’s report on BPA, providing an overview of human and environmental issues associated with this compound, was released in 2014 (FPF reported). BPA, a chemical used in multiple products, is a suspected endocrine disruptor. It has been recently classified as ‘toxic for reproduction’ by the European Commission’s (EC) Committee established under the Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH Committee) (FPF reported).
RIVM’s report summarizes new studies showing that BPA at levels lower than currently accepted European exposure limits can harm the immune system of unborn and young children. This can result in a greater probability of developing food intolerances and a higher susceptibility to infectious diseases. Based on the evaluated evidence, RIVM advises the Dutch government to file requests to the EC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) asking for a reconsideration of the exposure limit values at EU level. In addition, RIVM recommends that additional measures to further reduce BPA exposure, especially of young children as well as pregnant and nursing women, should be evaluated and implemented in the near future.
Read more
RIVM (March 3, 2016). “Bisphenol A: Part 2. Recommendations for risk management.”
Health and Environment Alliance (March 3, 2016). “Dutch public health institute RIVM advices Dutch government to reduce exposure to Bisphenol A.”
Joe Withworth (March 9, 2016). “RIVM: BPA exposure should be reduced.” Food Production Daily
Reference
Bakker, J. et al. (2016). “Bisphenol A: Part 2. Recommendations for risk management.” RIVM (pdf)
