 |
You may have heard recently about concerns that a chemical called Bisphenol A -- or BPA, a chemical in plastic containers for food and drinks -- may be harmful, especially for children. This came from a draft report released by the National Toxicology Program – a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. This report was in contrast to other previous reports that concluded that the levels of BPA in such products were below the amounts considered potentially harmful. How can there be such a difference of opinion?
My take on this is that scientific study is always creating new information which must be rapidly and critically analyzed to yield knowledge that can guide our decisions – decisions for consumers about how they use products and decisions by FDA about how we must regulate products. Because science is evolving, our decisions are never written in stone but must always be subject to revision - but this scientific rigor must be equally strong to both make a decision as well as to change a decision.
With regard to BPA in plastics, regulatory agencies around the world have long determined that with proper use these containers pose no danger to health. As a consumer, you are typically exposed to these chemicals only at levels no greater than a few parts per billion in your diet. To illustrate the tiny amounts involved: one part per billion is about one drop in 25,000 two-liter bottles of soft drinks. But FDA is reviewing the science to assess whether even this small amount might cause harm.
Upon learning of the NTP report, FDA immediately convened a scientific task force within the agency to critically review all the data available on this subject. The task force will make recommendations regarding any next steps. Science will always be the basis for the decisions we must make at FDA to protect and promote the health of all Americans, young and old.
Please check back here for next week’s Andy’s Take.
Andy
Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.
Commissioner of Food and Drugs
|
|
