EU - ECHA Found the Need to Restrict a Group of Bisphenols

​​ECHA and the member states have assessed a group of 148 bisphenols an recommended that more than 30 bisphenols need to be restricted due to their potential hormonal or reprotoxic effects.

Many bisphenols are known endocrine disrupters both for human health and the environment. They also have reprotoxic properties. As they are widely used, a group restriction has been identified as the best way to manage the risks of 34 bisphenols. This number may change as more information is generated for these and other bisphenols that were lacking data.

Three bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol B and 2,2-bis(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentane) have already been identified as substances of very high concern (SVHCs). SVHC identification or harmonized classification and labeling is proposed for further bisphenols where sufficient information on hazards is already available. However, for many group members, more data needs to be generated before potential endocrine-disrupting and reprotoxic properties can be confirmed.

German authorities are already preparing a proposal to restrict the use of bisphenol A and other bisphenols with endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment. Once it is clearer which bisphenols the German proposal will cover, ECHA and the European Commission will consider any further needs for regulatory action on bisphenols.

The planned restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) will also need to be considered in any additional action as bisphenol AF and its eight salts are also defined as PFASs.

The use of products containing bisphenols may expose people and the environment to their harmful effects. Bisphenols are mostly used as intermediates in the manufacture of polymers or polymer resins, such as polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins and hardeners. They are also used in thermal paper, inks and coatings, adhesives, textiles, paper or in board. Industrial uses are expected to lead to relatively low exposures, whereas professional and consumer uses may lead to higher exposures.​