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EUROPEAN PLASTICS NEWS
Published: July 25, 2013 11:45 am ET
European consumers are exposed to even less Bisphenol A than previously thought, the European Food Safety Authority has concluded in its first review of the chemical since 2006.
According to EFSA, adults over 18 years old are exposed to 132 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day, while infants and toddlers are exposed to 375 nanograms.
These estimates are less than 1 percent of the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for BPI, which EFSA set at 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day in 2006.
The experts also concluded that diet is the major source of exposure to BPA, with canned food and non-canned meat being major contributors. Thermal paper was found to be the second most importance source of BPA, accounting for up to 15 percent of total exposure in some population groups.
Commenting on the findings, the PlasticsEurope's Polycarbonate/Bisphenol A industry group said the results show that consumer exposure to BPA is "extremely low."
EFSA scientists examined data using exposure modeling and urinary biomonitoring data and the review is the first part of a two-stage risk assessment process. It is now looking for feedback on the draft and all interested parties will be able to comment until Sept. 15.
PlasticsEurope's BPA group is encouraging all stakeholders to participate, as the final opinion will benefit from a public consultation process.
PlasticsEurope spokeswoman Jasmin Bird said: "An approach grounded in up-to-date and sound science, rather than politics, is the only one that can provide consumers with the reassurance that purchased products are safe and, at the same time, provide consumers with products that they need and that bring the highest value to their day-to-day lives." | |
