Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Jul 31st, 2007
Bisphenol A
An independent panel of scientists will review recent scientific data and expect to reach conclusions regarding whether or not exposure to a widely used chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) is hazardous to human development or reproduction.
The expert panel met in March, 2007 and worked for 2.5 days to review and assess the more than 500 scientific BPA-related studies cited in the report. Because of the length and complexity of this evaluation, the panel was unable to complete its review and has scheduled this second meeting to review and revise the draft expert panel report and write its summary, conclusions and critical data needs.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and several types of resins. Polycarbonate plastics are widely used in a variety of products including food and drink containers, CDs, DVDs, electrical and electronic equipment, automobiles, sports safety equipment. Resins are used as a protective lining in metal food and drink containers and water supply pipes. In vitro and animal data indicate that BPA may mimic the natural female sex hormone, estradiol. Exposure to the general population can occur through direct contact to BPA or by exposure to food or drink that has been in contact with material containing BPA.
The Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) selected this compound for evaluation because of its high volume of production, widespread human exposure, evidence of reproductive toxicity in animal studies, and public interest and concern.
Details about the meeting, including panel roster and public comments, are posted on the NTP website. The 2.5 day meeting is open to members of the public and the media.
When:
* August 6, 8:30 a.m. " 5:00 p.m. (Time is set aside on the morning of August 6th for oral public comments, limited to seven minutes per speaker or organization)
* August 7, 8:00 a.m. " 5:00 p.m.
* August 8, 8:00 a.m. " noon
Source:
National Institutes Of Health 