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News & Analysis | REG•WATCH Blog | Press Room
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Who Will Regulate Bisphenol-A?
As OMB Watch recently reported, a recent U.S. government study on the potentially dangerous effects of bisphenol-A and a proposal by the Canadian government to ban the substance in baby bottles have prompted major manufacturers and retailers to phase out the production and sale of products containing the chemical. Bisphenol-A is a substance commonly found in hard plastics, including water bottles and baby bottles, and resins, including those that line food cans.
But voluntary action by businesses, however responsible and well-intentioned, is no replacement for federal regulations intended to ensure the public is fully protected. So, to whom does the responsibility of regulating bisphenol-A fall?
Since the chemical is contained in the lining of food cans, the Food and Drug Administration could take action. Unfortunately, FDA has said bisphenol-A does not pose a "safety concern at the current exposure level." (A congressional investigation uncovered that FDA had relied on two industry-funded studies in making its determination not to regulate.)
Since the chemical can leach from plastics into the water supply, the Environmental Protection Agency may have a responsibility, but mum's the word at EPA since news broke of bisphenol-A's potentially harmful effects.
Since bisphenol-A is contained in a host of consumer products made of hard, polycarbonate plastic, the Consumer Product Safety Commission may also be obligated to regulate such products. Last week, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote to CPSC commissioner Nancy Nord on that very subject:
There has been less focus on the possible presence of [bisphenol-A] in infant and children products, which would come under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Were products such as teething rings, pacifiers, and children's flatware to contain [bisphenol-A], they could pose risks of cancer and neurological disorders to infants and young children.
The letter then asks Nord if the commission has done anything in regard to the chemical.
Even though at least three prominent federal agencies could take action, it doesn't seem like any of them intend to regulate, or even study, bisphenol-A. We deserve a government that will work to inform us of the hazards we face so we can maintain at least a modicum of control over the everyday things in our lives; and a government that will work to protect us when we cannot adequately protect ourselves.
Posted by Matt Madia
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