Washington, April 15 - A chemical used in consumer products ranging from baby bottles to food-can linings to compact discs is widely found in humans and may affect childhood development and reproduction, according to a new draft report from the government.
The report on bisphenol A, which is used primarily in plastics and epoxy resins, follows outcry from consumer advocates to phase out its use in kids' products. In studies with rodents, exposure to high levels of BPA during pregnancy and lactation was found to reduce survival, birth weight and growth of offspring, and delay the onset of puberty.
Animals experience effects from BPA at exposure levels similar to those experienced by humans, according to the report, and so the possibility that the chemical could alter human development can't be dismissed.
Human exposure to BPA is widespread, according to the report, which cited findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of detectable levels in 93% of urine samples of people six and older. BPA can get in food and drinks when it leaches from containers, and the highest intakes are by infants and children. The National Toxicology Program requested comments on the draft report for a scheduled peer review in June.
A separate report earlier this year found that popular plastic baby bottles leach BPA when heated. For U.S. testing, 10 bottles in total were used, purchased in nine states from stores such as Target (TGT), Wal-Mart (WMT) and Babies 'R' Us.
Some retailers have already responded to concerns. Whole Foods (WFMI) has ceased sales of baby bottles and child drinking cups made from polycarbonate plastic, which contains BPA, and a handful of states are considering legislation to phase out or ban BPA.
Last week, CamelBak said it will have a BPA-free line of reusable water bottles by the end of this month.
"The science surrounding BPA can be confusing and contradictory," the company said. "While we believe in the safety of all our products, enough consumers requested a BPA-free alternative that we re-engineered our bottles with an innovative new material to provide consumers with worry-free hydration."
Government attention
There have been calls for the U.S. government to restrict the use of BPA, particularly in children's products.
Given the new report, the Food and Drug Administration should reconsider the safety of BPA in products for infants and children, said members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Tuesday.
"These assessments fly in the face of the FDA's determination that BPA is safe," said Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., committee chairman. "I hope the FDA is willing to reconsider their position on BPA for the safety of our infants and children."
The committee has also been probing the FDA's approval of the use of BPA in products for infants and children. The committee found that the FDA has relied on two studies paid for by the American Plastics Council.
"There is a wealth of scientific information available about the safety and health effects of bisphenol A, yet FDA seems to have relied exclusively on two industry-funded studies, one of which has not even been made available to the public for review," Dingell said. "This raises serious concerns about whether the science FDA relied on to approve the use of bisphenol A was bought and paid for by industry."
As early as Wednesday, Canada is expected to classify BPA as a dangerous substance, according to the Globe and Mail newspaper. Canada would be the first country to make such as a move, which could lead to restrictions, according to the media report.