California Takes Action on Bisphenol-A: What Is the Impact?

California has joined 11 other states in limiting the sale of selected products that contain the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate, found in a multitude of plastic products, including reusable water bottles and baby bottles. It is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans, and metal closures for glass jars. BPA coatings have been used to ensure that foods can be canned and stored safely over extended periods of time.

In October 2011, both the California Legislature and its health hazard assessment agency took action regarding BPA. Taken in context, those actions will have only limited effect on the sale of BPA-containing products. The resulting debate underscored the fact that significant evidence supports the safe and effective use of BPA in certain products.