Federal Agencies Seek Input to Focus Future Research on Bisphenol A

NIEHS and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have published a request for information, seeking “input on a number of key research areas that have been identified in recent evaluations of bisphenol A (BPA).” Submissions should be made online by December 1, 2008. Among the research needs identified are (i) “Studies of the concentrations of BPA and metabolites in human blood, urine, breast milk, amniotic fluid, placenta and other tissues, particularly in infants and young children”; (ii) “More complete assessment of sources of human exposure to BPA”; (iii) “The potential for effects on the immune system”; (iv) “The potential for metabolic disruptions leading to obesity,
diabetes, or other metabolic disease”; and (v) “The potential for disruptions to the male reproductive tract including effects on sperm quantity and quality.” The information collected will apparently be used to develop future research and testing programs and may appear in future reports. See Federal Register, October 21, 2008.