Stronger effect / evidence
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Weaker effect / evidence

Bisphenol A

CAS: 80-05-7

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) EffectsData sources

Irritates The Eyes, priority orange
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.

Chronic (Long Term) EffectsData sources

Birth Defects, priority red
Birth Defects – Can cause harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Reproductive Harm, priority red
Reproductive Harm – Can disrupt the male or female reproductive systems, changing sexual development, behavior or functions, decreasing fertility, or resulting in loss of the fetus during pregnancy.
Sensitizes The Skin, priority yellow
Sensitizes the Skin – Can lead to allergic reactions on the skin.
Other Health Effects, priority yellow
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Birth Defects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Developmental toxicity
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • Clear Evidence of Adverse Effects - Developmental Toxicity
    US NIH - Reproductive & Developmental Monographs
    US Department of Health & Human Services - National Institutes of Health (US NIH)
  • Pregnancy Risk Group C
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • H361 - Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (unverified) [Reproductive toxicity - Category 2]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Endocrine Disruption

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Category 1 - In vivo evidence of Endocrine Disruption Activity
    EU - Priority Endocrine Disruptors
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Endocrine Disruptor - Substance of Possible Concern
    OSPAR - Priority PBTs & EDs & equivalent concern
    Oslo-Paris Convention Commission (OSPAR)
  • Endocrine Disruption
    ChemSec - SIN List
    ChemSec, The International Chemical Secretariat
  • Potential Endocrine Disruptor
    TEDX - Potential Endocrine Disruptors
    The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX)
  • Equivalent Concern - Candidate List: endocrine disrupting properties cause probable serious effects to the environment or human health
    EU - SVHC List
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • ECHA Endocrine disruptor assessment list
    ECHA Endocrine Disruptors
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • ED List I - Substances identified as endocrine disruptors at EU level
    Endocrine Disruptor Lists (Danish EPA)
    Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DK-EPA)

Direct Hazard » Reproductive Harm

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Reproductive Toxicity - Female
    CA EPA - Prop 65
    California Environmental Protection Agency (CA EPA)
  • Toxic to reproduction - Candidate list
    EU - SVHC List
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Some Evidence of Adverse Effects - Reproductive Toxicity
    US NIH - Reproductive & Developmental Monographs
    US Department of Health & Human Services - National Institutes of Health (US NIH)
  • H360F - May damage fertility [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Toxic to Reproduction Category 2 - Substances which should be regarded as if they impair fertility or cause Developmental Toxicity in humans
    EU - REACH Annex XVII CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Reproductive toxicity category 2
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child [Toxic to reproduction - Category 1B]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • Reproductive toxicity - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Reproductive Toxicity - Category 1B
    EU - Annex VI CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H361f - Suspected of damaging fertility [Reproductive toxicity - Category 2]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H360 - Suspected of / May damage fertility and/or the unborn child (unverified) [Reproductive toxicity - Category 1A or 1B]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Sensitizes the Skin

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction [Skin sensitization - Category 1]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Sensitizing Substance SP - Danger of photocontact sensitization
    MAK
    MAK Commission of Germany (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)
  • Skin sensitisation category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)
  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction [Skin sensitizer - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction [Skin sensitization - Category 1]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction (unverified) [Skin sensitization - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Other Health Effects

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation - Category 3]
    EU - GHS (H-Statements) Annex 6 Table 3-1
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following repeated exposure - Category 2]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H370 - Causes damage to organs [Specific target organs/systemic toxicity following single exposure - Category 1]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation - Category 3]
    GHS - Australia
    Safe Work Australia
  • H335 - May cause respiratory irritation (unverified) [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation - Category 3]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H370 - Causes damage to organs (unverified) [Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure - Category 1]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
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Inherent HazardsData sources

Restricted List, priority gray
Restricted List – This chemical is on a list from an authoritative body recommending that its use be avoided.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Restricted List

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • EPA Chemical of Concern - Action Plan published
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • TSCA Work Plan chemical - Action Plan in development
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Precautionary list of substances recommended for avoidance
    P&W - Precautionary List
    Perkins+Will (P+W)
  • Chemicals of high concern
    SCHF - Hazardous 100
    Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF)
  • Candidate Chemical List
    CA SCP - Candidate Chemicals
    California Department of Toxic Substance Control (CA DTSC)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V3 projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Substances selected for RMOA or hazard assessment
    EU - PACT-RMOA Substances
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • V3 2014 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Bisphenols and Phthalates
    GSPI - Six Classes of Problematic Chemicals
    Green Science Policy Institute (GSPI)
  • Substances restricted under REACH
    EU - REACH Annex XVII non-CMRs
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products
    Health Canada - Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
    Health Canada
  • Priority Chemicals
    ME DEP - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Maine Department of Environmental Protection
  • Chemicals of High Concern
    MDH - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Minnesota Department of Public Health
  • Priority Chemicals
    MDH - Chemicals of High Concern and Priority Chemicals
    Minnesota Department of Public Health
  • Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    WA DoE - Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Washington State Department of Ecology (WA DOE)
  • Annex II - Prohibited Substances
    EU - Cosmetics Regulation
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • CoHC List (non SVHC)
    CPA - Chemical Footprint
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Biological and Environmentally Released Materials
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Children's Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Formulated Consumer Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V3.1 projects
    Living Building Challenge 3.1 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • Red List substances to avoid in Living Building Challenge V4.0 projects
    Living Building Challenge 4.0 - Red List of Materials & Chemicals - Effective April 1, 2022
    International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
  • 2019 Substance of Concern List
    BIFMA - e3/level Annex B list of chemicals
    Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA)
  • Declarable and Reference Substance Lists (DSL and RSL)
    IEC 62474 - Material Declaration for Products of and for the Electrotechnical Industry
    International Electrotechnical Commission
  • Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Vermont Chemicals of High Concern to Children
    Vermont Environmental Health Division
  • Reportable Chemicals
    MA Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) listed substances
    Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
    C2C Certified v4 Product Standard Restricted Substances List (RSL) - Effective July 1, 2022
    Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII)
  • Food Contact Chemicals Database Version 5.0
    Food Contact Chemicals Database (FCCdb)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL)
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Food Contact Chemicals of Concern List (FCCoCL) - TIER 1
    Food Contact Chemicals of Concern (FCCoCL)
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    Substances of Very High Concern (RIVM ZZS)
    The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)
  • Target Priority Chemicals List (TPCL)
    Target Corp - Target Priority Chemicals List (TPCL)
    Target Corporation
  • ZDHC - MRSL v2.0
    ZDHC - MRSL v2.0
    Zero Discharge of Hazardous Waste Chemicals Programme
  • EDF Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
    EDF Key chemicals of concern in food packaging and food handling equipment
    Environmental Defense Fund
  • FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    FSAP Food Packaging Product Stewardship Considerations
    Food Safety Alliance for Packaging (FSAP)
  • FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    FPF Priority Substance List from FCCdb
    Food Packaging Forum
  • Bisphenols
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Food Packaging Forum Priority Substances List
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Food Service Ware RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory - Active
    TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (Active-Inactive)
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Bisphenols
    AFIRM Packaging RSL
    The Apparel and Footwear International RSL Management Group (AFIRM)
  • Bisphenols (Bronze List)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Bisphenols (Silver-Gold)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Furniture & Fabrics Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Bisphenols (Silver-Gold)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • GreenScreen List Translator LT-1
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Silver-Gold RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
  • Bisphenols (Bronze List)
    GreenScreen Certified Standard for Medical Supplies & Devices Bronze RSL
    Clean Production Action (CPA)
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How does this chemical impact the environment?Data sources

Immediate Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – A single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Long-term Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Long term exposure may result in irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Bioaccumulative , priority gray
Bioaccumulative – Accumulates in organisms, concentrating as it moves up the food chain.
Persistent, priority gray
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.

Data sources

Direct Hazard » Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H401 - Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute) - Category 2]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute category 1
    GHS - New Zealand
    New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA)

Direct Hazard » Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 2]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 3]
    GHS - Japan
    Government of Japan
  • H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (unverified) [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 3]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)
  • H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (unverified) [Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) - Category 2]
    EU - Manufacturer REACH hazard submissions
    European Union / European Commission (EU EC)

Direct Hazard » Bioaccumulative

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Low bioaccumulation potential - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)

Direct Hazard » Persistent

These sources refer directly to this chemical:

  • Low environmental persistence - TSCA Criteria met
    US EPA - PPT Chemical Action Plans
    US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
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What safer alternatives are available for this chemical?

Find case studies related to substitutions for this chemical in SubsPORT, the substitution support portal.

How am I likely to be exposed to this chemical?

May cause an allergic skin reaction
Skin contact
Causes serious eye damage
Eye contact
May cause respiratory irritation
Inhalation

How can I protect myself from exposure to this chemical in the workplace?

gloves
Handle with gloves
glasses
Safety eyeware
suit
Protective clothing
respirator
Respirator