In the News
California to Consider Listing BPA on Proposition 65
Jun 3, 2009
The California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) announced that it plans to evaluate whether Bisphenol A (BPA) should be added to the Proposition 65 List as a chemical known to cause reproductive toxicity. A 60-day public comment period is in effect until June 30, 2009.
Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which commonly are employed in single-use and reusable food and beverage containers. In January 2008, OEHHA put out a call for evidence relevant to the issue of whether the low levels of BPA that may leach into food packaged in the plastics could potentially cause developmental or reproductive toxic effects when ingested. Data was collected by OEHHA on the issue until April 17, 2008. OEHHA staff evaluated the data it received and compiled a draft report titled, "Evidence on the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of Bisphenol A."
The Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee (DARTIC) of OEHHA's Science Advisory Board advises OEHHA on chemicals known to the State of California to cause reproductive toxicity. DARTIC will consider the listing of BPA at its next meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. In addition to OEHHA's draft report, DARTIC will consider the National Toxicology Program's Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Bisphenol A , and the European Union's 2003 Risk Assessment on BPA and updated BPA Risk Assessment of February 2008.
Additional comments for DARTIC's consideration at the July 15 meeting should be submitted in writing to OEHHA no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Details on how to submit comments are outlined on OEHHA's website.
Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires the governor of California to publish a list of chemicals "known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity." The list is updated once a year. Under the law, businesses must alert Californians to potential exposure to certain chemicals by posting a warning label on their products notifying consumers that the products contain substances determined by the State to be carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. Proposition 65 also prohibits California businesses from knowingly releasing listed chemicals into sources of drinking water. For more information on Proposition 65, see the Packaginglaw.com article, California's Proposition 65: A Regulatory Conundrum.