California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has officially included Bisphenol S (BPS) on the Proposition 65 list, recognizing it as a reproductive toxicant, specifically concerning female reproductive health. This inclusion, effective from December 29, 2023, followed a review by the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant Identification Committee (DARTIC).
Proposition 65 and the Addition of BPS
Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, mandates businesses to notify Californians about significant chemical exposures. The recent addition of BPS to the Proposition 65 list implies that businesses will need to provide a clear warning for exposures starting from December 29, 2024.
Impact of BPS Listing
BPS is often used as a substitute for Bisphenol A (BPA), another compound known to have adverse health impacts. The DARTIC meeting held virtually on December 12, 2023, concluded with a unanimous vote (9-0) that BPS clearly causes female reproductive toxicity, based on evidence from scientifically valid tests. The DARTIC's determination followed a period of public comment and review of a hazard identification document outlining the risks associated with BPS.
OEHHA's Evaluation Process
Before the listing, OEHHA solicited information about BPS's reproductive toxicity, calling for data between March 4, 2022, and April 18, 2022. The hazard identification document titled "Evidence on the Female Reproductive Toxicity of Bisphenol S" was later published, alongside a period for public comment.
Related Proposition 65 Developments
During the same meeting, HFPO (hexafluoropropylene oxide) was voted to be added to the list of chemicals requiring further testing. Additionally, OEHHA staff provided updates on other chemical listings, safe harbor levels, and recent regulations and litigation related to Proposition 65 over the past year.
Access to DARTIC Meeting and Documentation
The recording and transcript of the DARTIC meeting will be made available online. Interested individuals can access various documents related to the BPS listing and the evidence reviewed by the committee on OEHHA's website.
The official listing of Bisphenol S (BPS) as a reproductive toxicant by California's OEHHA serves as an important notice to manufacturers, businesses, and consumers regarding the potential health risks associated with exposure to BPS. With a clear warning requirement deadline set for December 29, 2024, businesses must now take the necessary precautions to inform and protect the public from significant exposures to this chemical.
