Work

The Politics of Plastics: The Making and Unmaking of Bisphenol A “Safety”

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used in the production of plastics since the 1950s and a known endocrine disruptor, is a ubiquitous component of the material environment and human body. New research on very-low-dose exposure to BPA suggests an association with adverse health effects, including breast and prostate cancer, obesity, neurobehavioral problems, and reproductive abnormalities. These findings challenge the long-standing scientific and legal presumption of BPA's safety. The history of how BPA's safety was defined and defended provides critical insight into the questions now facing lawmakers and regulators: is BPA safe, and if not, what steps must be taken to protect the public's health? Answers to both questions involve reforms in chemical policy, with implications beyond BPA.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.159228

Author: Sarah A. Vogel

Institutions: Science History Institute, Chemical Heritage Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, American Council of Learned Societies, Public Entity Risk Institute, Chemical Heritage Foundation