Companies often substitute BPA for chemicals that are just as bad | New Chemsec Report

As bisphenol A (BPA) has come under pressure from regulators, many companies have tried to substitute it in their products. Sadly, however, it is many times replaced by other bisphenols that are just as bad. This fact is laid out in a new report published by the NGO CHEMtrust.

“When looking for a new chemical to use in an application, companies will look for one of a similar structure, as it is likely to have similar properties. However, this similarity often extends to toxicity, which is what the scientists are finding with bisphenols”, the report states.

A major obstacle in dealing with this situation is the current legislative landscape. In the EU, the main management of chemicals is handled through REACH and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). But certain uses, for example food contact materials, that include sensitive products like baby bottles and cans, are regulated under the European Food Safety Authority.

The two agencies have handled the issue of bisphenols differently, especially in the way they approach grouping to structurally similar chemicals. However, neither agency are controlling or limiting the use of well-known toxic bisphenols, for example Bisphenol S (BPS) which is a common substitute for Bisphenol A. 

“Restricting groups of chemicals has to become the rule rather than the exception. When different substances of the same chemical group are likely to be similarly acting and used in the same situation and one is known to be harmful and has been regulated, then regulation should be extended to cover all other similar compounds”, the report states.

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