Bisphenol A is used extensively in the production of plastics, particularly polycarbonates. It can be found in adhesives, pipes, thermal fax paper, car dashboards and electronic goods, but its presence in the linings of food cans and in baby feeding bottles causes the greatest concern. The UK is one of the few EU nations with a research programme into the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. While WWF-UK supports this work, it believes that the governments have a responsibility to remove this threat from the wider environment where these chemicals pose a risk to wildlife and humans. WWF-UK also feels that the governments of the UK should take a strong leadership role in the EU and worldwide by implementing a precautionary approach towards chemicals that pose a potential health risk.
Babies are extremely susceptible to the impacts of hormone disruption.
The ratio of chemicals to body weight often means they are receiving much larger doses than adults. Bisphenol A is a known endocrine disruptor, and to continue to use this chemical in the light of all the evidence is jeopardising the health of future generations. WWF-UK would like to see evidence such as the results of the DTI study made more widely available to the public. There is also a need for improved labelling of products that contain BPA and other endocrine disrupting chemicals. Consumers have the right to make an informed choice about the products they buy and the risk they are being exposed to as a result.