In an article published on Tuesday, the National Food Safety Agency has warned against bisphenol B. This chemical is used in some countries outside the European Union as an alternative to bisphenol A, which is today widely known as an endocrine inhibitor. According to ANSES, bisphenol B is actually no less bad for humans and the environment. Its endocrine properties are similar, “or even more pronounced”.
The ANSES therefore proposes to identify bisphenol B as a “substance of very high concern” in European Reich regulation. “This classification is intended to oblige the industrial use of this chemical on the European continent as a replacement for bisphenol A, and for importers of consumer articles to declare their presence as it exceeds the 0.1% limit in their composition.” ” Agency.
A change in the male reproductive system
Based on available scientific data, ANSES has established that bisphenol B increases the production of estrogen – the female hormone – and activates estrogen receptors. It also has “harmful effects by altering the male reproductive system: decreasing daily sperm production, weight reduction relative to male reproductive organs”. Finally, ANSES established “a biologically plausible link between endocrine activity and the aforementioned harmful effects”.
“Furthermore, in the event of exposure to bisphenol B, its effect can be combined with other bisphenols, which have properties similar to bisphenols A and S, which can also expose humans and the environment”, says ANSES Huh.
Used to make food containers
Like bisphenol A, bisphenol B is used primarily for the manufacture of plastics and resins, among other substances. In particular, bisphenol A (BPA) is found in polycarbonate. This high performance rigid and transparent plastic is used to make food containers such as baby bottles, dishes, or containers for storage. Residues of BPA are also found in epoxy resins used to make protective films inside cans or tubs used for food and beverages.
As a reminder, bisphenol A has been banned since 2011 for the manufacture and sale of baby bottles in Europe. The 2015 law in France prohibits the manufacture, export, import and marketing of any food packaging.