In an article published on June 16, 2017, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that its Member State Committee (MSC) has unanimously agreed to additionally identify bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine disrupting properties that can cause serious adverse health effects in humans. BPA was added to the Candidate List of SVHCs already in January 2017 due to its reprotoxic properties (FPF reported). ECHA noted that it will update the reason for inclusion of BPA in the Candidate List by the end of June 2017.
Further, ECHA’s MSC decided to identify perfluorohexane-1-sulphonic acid and its salts (PFHxS, CAS 355-46-4) as SVHCs due to their very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are used, among other applications, as grease and stain repellents in food packaging (see FPF background article).
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ECHA (June 16, 2017). “MSC unanimously agrees that Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor.”
Luke Buxton (June 16, 2017). “MSC agrees BPA is an endocrine disruptor.” Chemical Watch
Health and Environment Alliance (June 16, 2017). “EU finally recognizes Bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor for human health.”
Stéphane Horel and Stéphane Foucart (June 16, 2017). “Le bisphénol A considéré « extrêmement préoccupant » par l’Europe.” Le Monde (in French)
Arthur Neslen (June 16, 2017). “EU moves to restrict hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastics.” The Guardian
ChemSec (June 19, 2017). “Recognition of BPA as an EDC for human health will increase the protection of consumers.”
Shahrzad Pourriahi (June 19, 2017). “European plastics body concerned over latest BPA decision.” Plastics News Europe
Manon Flausch (June 22, 2017). “EU recognises bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor.” Euractiv
Will Chu (June 19, 2017). “EU expresses ‘high concern’ for hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A.” Beverage Daily
North American Metal Packaging Alliance (June 21, 2017). “ECHA decision on BPA is counter to FDA and EFSA conclusions.” (pdf)
Emma Davies (June 22, 2017). “ECHA committee agrees PFHxS is an SVHC.” Chemical Watch
