Document from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

John R. Bucher, Ph.D

       In 2008, John R. Bucher, Associate Director of the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, presented information to the United States House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Committee on Energy and Commerce concerning issues about BPA and phthalates.  His statement was published in a document titled National Toxicology Program Determinations on the Health Effects of Bisphenol A and Phthalates.  His statement confirms several concerns about BPA and Phthalates.


Summary of BPA Confirmations 

• BPA has been found to leach from polycarbonate baby bottles.
• It has been found in baby formula stored in epoxy-lined cans.
• Even low exposure to BPA during developmental stages can affect the brain, prostate gland, mammary gland, and the age of puberty.
• There is "some concern" that the current fetus exposure to BPA causes neural and behavioral effects.
• Scientific information on BPA contains several uncertainties.   

Summary of Phthalate Confirmations

• Phthalates are used in flexible plastics.
• It has been known for 25 years that "specific phthalates" adversely affect reproduction.
• Only current research has confirmed that age determines sensitivity to phthalates. The most harm is done to fetal animals.
• In the 1990's, it was confirmed that the development of the male reproductive system is affected by certain phthalates.
• Only "active" phthalates cause adverse reproductive effects.
• Maternal exposure to "specific phthalates" during pregnancy decrease testosterone levels in boys.
• One "specific phtalate", di(2-ethylhexly)phthalte known as DEHP, is used in medial devices and consumer products.
• Certain medical treatments can cause exposure to DEHP.
• DEHP causes "serious concern" for male infants.

My Thoughts about the Given Information
Since most of this information has been known since the 1990's, why is it only being presented to the public now? Specific regulations on these chemicals should have been formed years ago, but instead, certain people insist that additional studies should be done. However, most studies have been presenting the same information for all of these years. How many more "additional studies" will it take for real action to take place?


Analysis of Source
This source is a government document provided by the National Toxicology Program, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is; therefore, a reliable and unbiased account of BPA and Phthalates. Furthermore, it was written/prepared by experts on the subject. This source is highly credible.