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Evaluation of Alternatives for Compounds under Risk Assessment in the EU, Bisphenol A

8 Evaluation of the possible alternatives to bisphenol A

During the project period no specific substance was pointed out by the industry as an alternative to bisphenol A in coated food or beverage containers, polycarbonates, thermographic printing, toners or printing inks. However, several possible alternatives or groups of substances were mentioned and investigated.

The evaluation of the possible alternatives was based on the internationally accepted principles for classification of single substances, i.e. risk phrases (R-phrases). A large number of chemicals have been officially classified on the basis of their potential toxicity to human health whereas only very few of these chemicals have been classified for their potential hazardous environmental effects. But due to the implementation of Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, preparations of chemicals must now be evaluated and classified with respect to both human health and to the environment.

The environmental and health properties of a substance are dependent on the inherent properties of the specific substance. Therefore, the environmental and health properties can vary within a group of substances, i.e. a detailed risk assessment of e.g. a polyacrylate will require specific data on that specific substance. An environmental and health screening based on the general properties of a chemical group or based on a single substance of a chemical group may, however, be used to indicate the potential hazards of the alternative substance to the environment and human health.

A summary of the results of the environmental and health hazard assessment of possible alternatives to bisphenol A in coatings, polycarbonates and printing inks is given in Table 8.1. Furthermore, the EU environmental and health assessment of BPA is given for comparison (EU, 2003A).

Bisphenol A is considered to be readily biodegradable and not bioaccumulative but toxic to aquatic organisms. It does thus not fulfil the criteria for classification as regards the environment but further discussion is needed as the observed effects at low concentrations of bisphenol A in long-term toxicity studies justify the application of suitable risk and safety phrases (EU, 2003A).

From an environmental point of view the alternative polyester and polyamide, depending on the specific substances, may turn out to cause less harmful effects than BPA whereas polymerised rosin and monomers from polyacrylates may cause the same or more hazardous effects on the environment as bisphenol A.

From the health point of view the possible alternatives, polyesters and polyamides depending on the specific substances, may turn out to cause less harmful effects than BPA, whereas some polyacrylates may be irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin and polymerised rosins may cause sensitisation by skin contact. Bisphenol A is known to be irritating to respiratory system, cause risk of serious damage to eyes and sensitisation by skin contact.

Furthermore, bisphenol A is on the list of substances, which are suspected as endocrine disrupters, and it has been suggested to classify it with R62 (possible risk of impaired fertility) (EU, 2003A). None of the mentioned alternatives are on this list but it should be mentioned that potential endocrine disrupting effects have most likely not been examined for the alternatives.

The environmental and health effect of the alternative will, however, totally depend on the specific chemical compound in focus including possible migration of monomers etc. and the assessment should be revised on the basis of the properties of the specific chemical compound.

Table 8.1 Screening of environmental and health properties of the possible alternatives to bisphenol A

1) List of substances, which are or are potential endocrine disrupting (Danish EPA, 2003)

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Version 1.0 March 2004, © Danish Environmental Protection Agency