Statement

ACC Believes Biomonitoring is an Important Tool, Yet Gaps in the Science Should Be Evaluated Before Banning Essential Products

ARLINGTON, VA (November 9, 2007) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents manufacturers of chemical products, believes that biomonitoring data can be very useful in understanding the extent to which people have been exposed to particular substances and in providing guidance for additional research. However, biomonitoring data alone do not provide information about the source of an exposure, how long a substance has been in the body or what effect, if any, a substance may have on human health. Without this context, unnecessary fears can arise and decisions may not be properly informed.

In its 2005 National Exposure Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated: “Just because people have an environmental chemical in their blood or urine does not mean that the chemical causes disease.” In fact, many chemicals, such as those in medicines have beneficial life saving qualities and Americans are living longer, safer and healthier lives through the essential benefits provided by the chemistry industry.

The chemical compounds, phthalates and bisphenol A, have been thoroughly reviewed by regulatory agencies in many countries, and the conclusions of these agencies support the continued safe use of these products. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently expressed its confidence in using bisphenol A (BPA), saying it had "confidence that no safety concern exists for BPA in regulated food contact materials.” The CDC has recently released biomonitoring data that confirms levels of bisphenol A in the US population are far below levels that could cause harm. And the most recent European Union risk assessment of several phthalates supported their continued safe use in consumer products.

Working with government officials and the scientific community, the manufacturers of chemical products are actively engaged in efforts to better understand the complex relationship between modern chemistry and human health in a shared effort to protect and improve people’s lives. The public should not be misled into thinking that the products of chemistry are inherently dangerous just because chemicals can now – through improvements in analytical chemistry – be detected at trace levels in people’s blood or urine. Biomonitoring indicates presence.  It doesn’t mean there is a significant health risk. To pose a health risk a chemical must exceed a threshold level in the body.  All substances, including naturally occurring chemicals, and even water, can be innocuous at levels below threshold, and produce toxicity when levels exceed the threshold.

Additionally, through an initiative called Responsible Care®, ACC members go above and beyond government rules and regulations. ACC member companies employ a rigorous management system that is verified by third-party auditors.  These results are shared with the public and the progress is measured, tracked and available for public review at www.americanchemistry.com/responsiblecare.