2014-03-25 09:40:39
Bisphenol A is a synthetic chemical substance that has been used for more than 50 years, particularly in the plastics industry. Until now, it was the subject of a harmonized classification as suspected reprotoxic. It is also currently classified as an irritant to the respiratory tract, as a substance which can cause serious eye damage and which can cause sensitization by skin contact.
In its work carried out in 2011 and 2013, ANSES recommends reducing consumer exposure to bisphenol A, in particular by substituting it in materials in contact with foodstuffs.
In addition, in 2012, ANSES, as part of the implementation of European regulations on the labeling of chemical substances, submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) a proposal for the revision the classification of BPA, with a view to a more severe classification as toxic for reproduction (fertility). For this proposal, ANSES relied on the publications and data published following the European discussions that led to its current classification.
Following the public consultation stage, ANSES completed its proposal by integrating new studies currently produced in the United States. ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) issued, on the basis of all the data,a final opinion in favor of the French proposal.
A classification in category 1 will have the direct consequence the application of more stringent regulatory measuresin particular the obligation to put in place reinforced prevention measures for the professional uses of bisphenol A (primarily its substitution), or the ban on the marketing of mixtures containing bisphenol A intended for consumers.
ECHA’s opinion will be forwarded to the European Commission no later than 18 months from the date of publication of the RAC recommendation. The decision to include the harmonized classification in the CLP Regulation (1) will be issued by the European Commission on the basis of this opinion.
(1) CLP: Classification, Labelling, Packaging; Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on the classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/ 45/EC and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
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