Bisphenols are widely used and many are also known endocrine disruptors, which means that they can affect the hormonal systems of people and animals.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is probably the most known chemical in this group. It has been used since the 1960s in many consumer goods like re-usable plastic tableware, plastic bottles, CDs and sports equipment, such as helmets.

Due to its harmful properties, BPA’s use has already been limited. But it’s not a secret that when authorities have regulated one substance companies often switch to another substance with a similar structure – and many times, one that also has similar effects. This has happened, for example, with BPA in thermal paper where it has largely been replaced by Bisphenol S.

Together with some EU Member States, we have been assessing the need to regulate bisphenols as a group. Our expert, Maarten Roggeman, joins us to explain how the assessment was done and what we can expect as next steps for managing their risks.'

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