Despite more than 100 published studies by government scientists
and university laboratories that have raised health concerns about a
chemical compound that is central to the multibillion-dollar
plastics industry, the Food and Drug Administration has deemed it
safe largely because of two studies, both funded by an industry
trade group.
The agency says it has relied on research backed by the American
Plastics Council because it had input on its design, monitored its
progress and reviewed the raw data.
The compound, bisphenol A (BPA), has been linked to breast and
prostate cancer, behavioral disorders and reproductive health
problems in laboratory animals.
As evidence mounts about the risks of using BPA in baby bottles
and other products, some experts and industry critics contend that
chemical manufacturers have exerted influence over federal
regulators to keep a possibly unsafe product on the market.
Congressional Democrats have begun investigating any industry
influence in regulating BPA. The FDA says it is not biased toward
industry.
MEMO: excerpted from NATIONAL BRIEFS
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