Study of Infants in Neonatal ICU Shows Low BPA Exposures Are Well Within Safe Limits

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Feb 18, 2013, 12:01 ET

Results Build on Earlier Findings that Infants Metabolize and Quickly Eliminate BPA, Similar to Adults

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A study published today in Pediatrics attempted to determine whether feeding sources (breast milk or formula) or needed medical devices were the sources of BPA exposure among premature infants under medical care in a hospital intensive care unit. The study authors, Duty, et. al, tested urine samples from infants to determine exposure levels and noted whether the infants were exposed to "high-intensity" or "low-intensity" treatment with medical devices. The following statement on the topic can be attributed to Steven G. Hentges, Ph.D., of the Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group of the American Chemistry Council.

"Balancing the benefits and risks of any medical treatment is especially important when an infant's life is at stake and this study found that exposures to BPA from the use of life-saving medical equipment on premature infants in the NICU were low and well within safe limits established by regulators. The findings are consistent with an earlier study from some of the same researchers, which noted: 'More important, our findings suggest that even premature infants have some capacity to conjugate (process) BPA.' Combined with more extensive studies, the available evidence indicates that even premature infants have the capability to quickly metabolize and eliminate BPA from the body, similar to adults.

"The BPA exposures for all of the infants in this study are short-term, limited to the time when life-saving medical treatment is necessary, and well below government-set safe intake limits for BPA, which are conservatively set. The authors acknowledge that exposures were 'below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference dose (RfD) (dose below which no adverse health effects should result from a lifetime of exposure).'

"Overall, the results of this study are consistent with U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy to maximize the benefits of medical devices with minimal risk."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $760 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the largest exporting sector in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council