CRS: Bisphenol A (BPA) in Plastics and Possible Human Health Effects, September 8, 2008
Wikileaks release: February 2, 2009
Publisher: United States Congressional Research Service
Title: Bisphenol A (BPA) in Plastics and Possible Human Health Effects
CRS report number: RS22869
Author(s): Linda-Jo Schierow, Resources, Science, and Industry Division; Sara A. Lister, Domestic Social Policy Division
Date: September 8, 2008
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to produce certain types of plastic. Containers made of these plastics may expose people to small amounts of BPA in food and water. Some animal experiments have found that fetal and infant development may be harmed by small amounts of BPA, but scientists disagree about the value of the animal studies for predicting harmful effects in people. At least one regulatory decision in the face of the scientific disagreement has led to a congressional inquiry into the extent to which the decision was based on good science. Legislation proposed in April 2008, S. 2928, would prohibit use of BPA in some products intended for use by children. Legislation proposed in June 2008, H.R. 6228, would prohibit the use of BPA in food and beverage containers regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).