If any of you are in the DC area, you might be intrigued by an OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and free conference I've organized for this Wednesday, 9-12:30pm, on the controversial plasticizer bisphenol A. For those not familiar with the chemical, it is ubiquitous, found in plastic containers, including kids sippy cups, and in metal can liners, dental applications, and more things than you could ever imagine. It also microscopically leaches from these products into the foods that holds them, and into humans. Some activist groups (NRDC, EWG) and some news organizations (Consumer Reports, Fast Company, Milwaukee Sentinel) have publicized some animal studies that suggest BPA may be harmful to rats, and therefore to humans, particularly infants. Yet, no regulatory body in the world has agreed with the hodge=podge of findings...not one. BPA was banned in Canada, but Health Canada found it was safe for adults and children. It was banned under the precautionary principle, where concern about unproven possible harm is enough to spur action. On the other hand, France, which has a stronger precautionary principle, decided not to ban, concluding that the evidence of its harm was contradictory (studies were small in sample size and often did not show danger, while other small studies did, but often the dangers they showed contradicted themselves.).
This saga is a genuine scientific puzzle. The scientists who believe their should be a ban embrace what's called the "new paradigm"--a still unproven, but intriguing notion that the way chemicals are evaluated by regulators does not adequately address the real danger inherent in those chemicals. In the case of BPA, they claim the problems are caused not at high doses but at extremely low doses..it's called the 'low dose hypothesis.'
The idea originated with a famous 1995 book "Our Stolen Futures: Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival? A Scientific Detective Story." The co-author of that book, Pete Myers, will be presenting at the conference. The conference will also include other BPA critics, including Lynn Goldman, head of the environmental health program at Johns Hopkins, Sarah Vogel who is a science historian from Columbia, and Wendy-Heiger Bernays from Boston University--again all sharp critics of BPA.
As is the style of conferences I design, all sides of the debate are represented. There are also renowned scientists, independent and affiliated with industry, who are just as sincere and believe the low dose notion does not stand the test of science. That's the general value, as of today, but top regulators in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.
It's amazing that this conference has even come off. The distrust between the two opposing "sides"--and yes, sadly, this issue breaks down by sides--is intense and very personal. I know of no other conference in which these factions have agreed to present together and commit to amicable, constructive discourse. Lynn Goldman and I will be making a statement to that effect when we open.
I urge ANYONE in the area to come to this event. It's open to ANYONE in the public--media, NGOS, academicians, activists, pros, cons, whomever. CSPAN MAY cover it...they haven't decided yet. Anyone who attends is free to ask the panel questions or just observe the presentations and discourse. This is a rare opportunity to see constructive discourse on ideologically explosive issues discussed.
If you can register, great, that's how AEI determines how much refreshments/food to put out. You do need to pre-register if you can't--just show up and you can attend.
AEI will be recording this with a fixed camera, and will post it, along with the power points, on its site.
No matter where you stand on this issue...if you have a stand...please come; discourse valued!!!!!
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AEI Center for Regulatory Studies
The Science and Policy of BPA
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 9:00a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Wohlstetter Conference Center, Twelfth Floor, AEI
1150 Seventeenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
Register at: http://www.aei.org/event/100252
Although regulatory authorities in the US, most of Europe, Australia and Japan have approved the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), ubiquitous in plastic products and the lining of metal cans, as safe for use, controversy remains over its potential health effects. Numerous studies have found effects at low levels of exposure. The Food and Drug Administration has not restricted its use bur recently expressed "some concern" about its potential impact on early development in children, and has authorized further studies. The Environmental Protection Agency recently classified BPA as a "chemical of concern" as it impacts the environment. "Precautionary" regulatory actions are underway in numerous jurisdictions, including in the US Congress. This conference aims to facilitate a constructive, non-partisan dialogue among policy experts and scientists about the risks and benefits of using, or choosing to restrict or not to use, BPA.
8:45 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. Welcome Kenneth P. Green, AEI
Introduction Jon Entine, AEI & Lynn Goldman, Johns Hopkins University
Panel I: Politics of BPA
9:10 Panelists: Trevor Butterworth, STATS, George Mason University
Sarah Vogel, Johnson Family Foundation
Moderator: Jon Entine, AEI
Panel II: Science of BPA
9:55 Panelists: Lynn Goldman, Johns Hopkins University
Julie Goodman, Gradient Corporation
John Peterson Myers, Co-Author "Our Stolen Future"
Calvin Willhite, California EPA
Moderator: Kenneth P. Green, AEI
Panel III: Risk and Regulation
11:30 Panelists John Rost, North American Metal Packaging Alliance
Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Boston University
Moderator: Kenneth P. Green, AEI
12:30 Adjournment
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