Bisphenol B, an endocrine disruptor for humans and the environment
As part of the National strategy on endocrine disruptorsANSES has assessed the endocrine disruption potential of bisphenol B. On the basis of the available scientific data, ANSES has established that this substance meets all the hazard criteria to be defined as an endocrine disruptor according to the WHO definition and the 2013 recommendations of the European Commissionto know :
- endocrine activity: bisphenol B exhibits an estrogenic action in particular by increasing the production of estrogen – female hormones – and by activating estrogen receptors;
- adverse effects by altering the male reproductive system: reduced daily sperm production, decreased relative weight of male reproductive organs;
- A biologically plausible link between endocrine activity and the aforementioned adverse effects.
These effects are observed in agreement in rodents and fish and are similar or slightly more pronounced at an equivalent dose, those of bisphenol Aalready identified as an endocrine disruptor at European level. Bisphenol B can thus lead to severe effects for human health and can alter the stability of species in the environment.
In addition, in the event of exposure to bisphenol B, its effects might be added to those of other bisphenols which have similar properties such as bisphenols A and S to which humans and the environment may also be exposed. The analogy with bisphenol A, which has been much more studied, also shows that it is likely that bisphenol B can induce other effects, for example on female reproduction or metabolism, and affect a large number of environmental species.
Prevent a regrettable substitution of bisphenol A by bisphenol B
Bisphenol B is now used as an alternative to certain uses of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in certain countries, notably in the United States where it is registered as an indirect additive for certain coatings and polymers in contact with food. Although not registered under REACH to be manufactured or used as a chemical substance in Europeit is found in biological samples from European populations as well as in environmental media in China.
The endocrine disrupting properties of bisphenol B presenting a sufficient level of concern within the meaning of the REACH regulation, ANSES therefore proposes to identify it as a substance of very high concern (SVHC).
This identification aims to avoid the development of its use or manufacture to replace bisphenol A. It will also oblige importers of articles containing bisphenol B at a concentration greater than 0.1% to declare its presence.
The dossier d’identification proposed by ANSES is in public consultation on the ECHA website, European Chemicals Agency, until April 23.
This approach might also be extended to other bisphenols with chemical structures and effects similar to bisphenols A and B.