In an article published on September 1, 2017 by regulatory news provider Chemical Watch, editor Luke Buxton reported on a survey conducted by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) screening for bisphenols and bisphenol-like substances that may occur on the European market. In its survey, KEMI grouped substances based on chemical structure, possible uses in different applications, and potential endocrine disrupting properties according to QSAR (quantitative structure activity relationship) data simulations. KEMI identified over 200 substances with a chemical structure similar to bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7). In total, 39 bisphenols were surveyed, 37 of which may have endocrine disrupting properties, KEMI found. Six bisphenols “could be problematic from a risk perspective” due to their properties and uses: BPA, bisphenol F (CAS 620-92-8), bisphenol M (CAS 13595-25-0), bisphenol S (CAS 80-09-1), 2,2-bis(4´-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentane (CAS 6807-17-6), and benzophenone-2 (CAS 131-55-5). For half of the analyzed bisphenols, “information on their toxicological effects is inadequate or entirely lacking,” KEMI noted. KEMI will share the survey results with the research community and other government agencies, and will also inform relevant industries in Sweden. However, KEMI will not propose any new national rules to restrict bisphenols, either because information on their use and toxicity is lacking or because assessments of EU measures are under way.
Read more
Luke Buxton (September 1, 2017). “Sweden identifies 37 bisphenols as potential EDCs.” Chemical Watch
KEMI (August 31, 2017). “New report: 37 bisphenols may be endocrine disruptors.”
Reference
KEMI (2017). “Bisfenoler – en kartläggning och analys.” (pdf; in Swedish)
