In our April newsletter, we discussed the emerging science on medical devices that contain Bisphenol A (BPA), the unknown safety of BPA alternatives, and the controversy surrounding their safety.

Now the State of California has weighed in, adding BPA to California’s Proposition 65, a list of chemicals that are known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. BPA is an industrial chemical produced in large quantities to make polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, thermal paper, and adhesives. Applications in medical devices include hemodialysers, newborn incubators, syringes, and nebulizers.

Based on a recent report by the National Toxicology Program’s Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, California has determined that developmental harm seen in laboratory animals who are exposed to BPA is sufficient evidence to add this chemical to Proposition 65’s official list. California will be required to set a safe harbor level for BPA, and businesses will then have to provide a warning for products that results in exposure greater than the proposed level.

[Source: Chemistry World]