Panel reviews bisphenol A for report
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Posted Aug. 31, 2007 |
By Jennifer Garvin Alexandria, Va.—The National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction convened an expert panel here Aug. 8 to review and assess the potential reproductive and developmental hazards of bisphenol A.
This was the second meeting of the 12-member panel, which concluded that while there is reason for "some concern" that BPA exposure causes neural and behavioral effects for pregnant women and fetuses, infants and children, there is "minimal" or "negligible" concern that the chemical causes acceleration in puberty or birth defects.
The panel focused on bisphenol A in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins which are used in food and drink packaging or as lacquers to coat food cans and bottle tops. Concerns were raised as to whether some polymers used in dental sealants could contain trace amounts of bisphenol A.
The panel reviewed and evaluated scientific data based on three areas: human exposure, reproductive toxicity and developmental toxicity. It will issue a final report on the CERHR Web site this fall. For more information, visit www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/bisphenola.asp.
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