Chemical found in everyday homeware named as “dangerous” after 20 year fight

Scientific experts from all over the EU, who met at the European Chemical Agency this week, have unanimously agreed that widely used chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor.

BPA is used to make plastics and resins found in a wide variety of products like insulation, reusable containers and bottles, kettles and DVDs.

The hormone-harming chemical is already restricted in toys, baby bottles and paper used in receipts, but many other applications are still unregulated.

Bisphenol A has been suspected to disrupt the hormonal system and have serious dangerous effects on human health and the environment for over 20 years.

It is the most widely studied hormone disruptor to date. The vote held this week at the European Chemicals Agency is therefore historical.

ClientEarth lawyer Alice Bernard said: “Now BPA is finally recognised as an endocrine disruptor, the EU and national governments must act fast to limit the irreversible damage this chemical does to people and the environment."

This unanimous agreement is the end of a long battle for scientists who have been working hard to prove that BPA is an endocrine disruptor, and to show the seriousness and breadth of its probable effect on human health and the environment. These include higher risk of cancers, learning disabilities and diabetes.

Companies producing or using BPA will likely attempt to challenge this historical decision before EU courts. ClientEarth, which supported France’s initiative by providing scientific input during the public consultation, will back the European Chemicals Agency before EU Courts against such cases.