A new test has been done bisphenol A (BPA) confirmed the dangers of this substance, presupposes for human being commonly found in our daily life. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has, after its new reassessment, of food exposure to BPA ” a health issue for consumers of all age groups” and greatly reduced intake levels considered safe for health.
Bisphenol A is a chemical used with others to make plastics and resins. For example, it is used in polycarbonate plastics, a type of transparent and hard plastic used in the manufacture of water dispensers. reusable beverage bottle and food storage containers. It is also used to produce epoxy resins, which are used to make protective coatings and foils for cans and food and beverage kegs.
“Chemicals such as BPA used in food product containers can pass into the food and beverages they contain in very small quantities”draws attention to this European organization, so scientists periodically review its safety, taking into account new data.
cause of diseases
The last risk assessment of this compound was done in 2015, and now another one that continues to confirm the dangers of BPA. Claude Lambré, Chair of EFSA’s Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids Panel, said:For this reassessment, we reviewed the extensive scientific literature, including more than 800 recent studies published since January 2013.. This allowed us to address significant uncertainties about BPA’s toxicity.”
The results are not entirely reassuring: “In studies, we observed a one percent increase in a type of white blood cell called the T helper in the spleen. They play an important role in our cellular immune mechanisms and such an increase can lead to the development of allergic lung inflammation and autoimmune disorders“, He claimed.
The Technical Commission also took into account potentially harmful health effects. reproductive, developmental and metabolic systems identified in the risk assessment.
“Our results are the result of several years of intensive evaluation, and we concluded using contributions gathered from a two-month public consultation that began in December 2021.”
Significantly lowering the security threshold
Compared to its previous assessment in 2015, the EFSA Panel of Experts tolerable daily intake (TDI) BPA, that is, the amount that can be taken daily throughout life without exposure to significant risk to health.
In 2015, experts set the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) at 4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (due to uncertainties in the evidence). They have now identified a new TDI of 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day, which is 20,000 times lower than what has been available so far.
“Our experts All age groups with moderate to high exposure to BPA exceed the new TDI, raising health concerns”, points out this official European agency.
In any case, the researchers point out that there are a number of variables that can affect the overall risk to a person’s health, such as the level of stress in the human body, genetics and nutrition.
EU decision makers, namely the European Commission and Member State representatives, are responsible for setting limits. EFSA reminds that it is up to the amount of a chemical that can pass from the food packaging to the food itself.
This body’s scientific advice on BPA will now form the basis for discussions among EU legislators on appropriate regulatory measures to protect consumers.
Study summary: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/es/news/bisphenol-food-health-risk
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Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]