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Chemical substances classified as endocrine disruptors, bisphenols are very common in everyday objects. Because of their dangerousness, the UFC Que Choisir calls for their total ban.
When we talk about bisphenols, we think of the one whose name has been the most publicized: bisphenol A. There are, however, other types, because bisphenols constitute a whole family of chemical substances. They are often used in products such as toys, can coatings or certain textiles, for example.
Bisphenols found in everyday objects
In a test carried out on various everyday objects, food packaging or objects intended for babies, the UFC-Que Choisir looked for the presence of bisphenol A as well as other types of bisphenols. Results : “Our tests reveal the presence of different bisphenols in 6 out of the 14 baby bottles and cups tested, as well as in 7 out of 12 teething rings. The latter are all the more at risk as they can be chewed throughout day by babies” denounces the consumer association.
“While endocrine disruptors are particularly harmful in the early stages of children’s development, it is outrageous that too many manufacturers have not yet taken measures commensurate with the potential risks posed by these compounds.” she adds.
Serious consequences on human health
If the Consumers’ Union is disturbed by the presence and our exposure to these chemical compounds, it is because these bisphenols are suspected by the European Chemicals Agency of being endocrine disruptors with serious potential risks for human health, such as miscarriages, sexual and reproductive dysfunctions, cognitive delays…
The European Food Agency also warns about Bisphenol A and calls for a “drastic reduction in consumer exposure”, joined by UFC-Que Choisir.
According to the tests carried out, it is not only baby objects that contain bisphenols: “none of the 12 cans and 11 soda cans tested are free of bisphenols” emphasizes the association, which recalls that the “placental barrier does not offer the fetus any protection against these molecules which should not be found in the food products consumed by the mother”.
A call to ban all bisphenols
If the UFC Que Choisir launches the alert, it recognizes that these products remain in conformity with the current legal framework. However, the Union considers that, faced with the accumulation of evidence of their harmfulness, a “global ban on bisphenols or at least banning the 34 dangerous bisphenols identified by the European Chemicals Agency” should be decided.
“However, to date only BPA is prohibited on no less than 148 compounds listed” she recalls, while demanding from the French and European authorities the prohibition of “any use of bisphenols in food packaging and children’s products“.