Statement

Findings From New Study on Occupational Exposure to BPA of Limited Relevance to Consumers

The following statement can be attributed to Steven G. Hentges, Ph.D., of the Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) regarding the study published in Human Reproduction, “Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol–A (BPA) and the Risk of Self–Reported Male Sexual Dysfunction,” by D. Li, Z. Zhou, D. Qing, et al.:

ARLINGTON, VA (Nov. 11, 2009) – “This study of occupational exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) among male factory workers in China provides interesting new information, although its relevance to average consumers who use products containing minute amounts of BPA is limited, at best.

Based on the significant differences between occupational exposure and consumer exposure, the study’s authors state, ‘the findings from this study probably do not apply to populations that are exposed to low levels of BPA.’ 

In contrast, a recent EPA study, published in Toxicological Sciences, found that exposure to low levels of BPA had no effect on a range of reproductive and behavioral activities measured.  This new EPA study, relevant to consumers, supports the conclusions of 11 regulatory bodies worldwide that have recently completed scientific evaluations and found BPA safe, including for use in food-contact materials.

With respect to the Chinese workers’ exposure, the study authors note that the ‘observed association may only apply to highly exposed workers.’  Importantly, it was unclear whether the workers in the study uniformly followed accepted worker–protection measures and procedures designed to prevent high–level exposure.  As noted in the 2008 European Union risk assessment of BPA, when established worker–protection measures are taken, no further risk reduction measures are needed to prevent  both ‘repeated dose systemic effects and reproductive toxicity for workers.’
 
It is essential that employees wear the personal protective equipment appropriate to their environment, and follow all established safety procedures.  This commitment to worker safety is a core component of ACC’s Responsible Care® program. ACC member companies participate in our Responsible Care program, which incorporates key environmental, health, safety, and security policies to achieve safety excellence and prevention of worker injury.  ACC’s member companies that produce BPA remain committed to openly and transparently sharing with the government and the public relevant environmental, health and safety data.”