Legal News

Consumers are still waiting for word on the latest update from the FDA regarding its position on the controversial chemical, bisphenol A, also known as BPA. As most consumers are aware, BPA is a chemical that is used in the lining of plastic bottles and in cans. As a result, most people have some exposure to low levels of BPA. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said earlier in the year that some updates in the FDA's position would take place by November 30. That didn't happen.

Since no word has come, it is possible the FDA is waiting on further information before making a stand. Sarah Vogel of the Johnson Family Foundation says the potential effects of BPA are complex. "You really want to have all the information in front of you."

The regulatory tussle over the use of BPA is on-going. It has been reported that National Institutes of Health will spend $30 million dollars over the next two years on studies relating to the safety of BPA.  However, some states, as well as Canada, have not waited on additional information from the scientific community, and have already banned BPA from baby bottles. 

Recent studies on rodents have shown that BPA can function like estrogen in the body. However, larger studies have found no reproductive problems in laboratory rats. Unfortunately for non-rodent species, a new study of men exposed to high levels of BPA during factory work have revealed significant problems with sexual dysfunction.

A spokes-person for the FDA told NPR that "an announcement will be forthcoming."

Related Resources:

• Study: Occupational exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) and the risk of Self-Reported Male Sexual Dysfunction (Journal Of Human Reproduction)
• Heads Up: BPA in High Levels Linked to Sexual Dysfunction (FindLaw's Common Law)
• BPA in Canned Foods: Feds to Examine Bisphenol A Health Risks (FindLaw's Common Law)
• FDA Misses Deadline On BPA Risk Assessment (NPR)
• Personal Injury from Defective Products (provided by Winters & Yonker P.A.)
• Personal Injury FAQ (provided by Chalat Hatten & Koupal)