Bisphenol-A safe when used as intended ALBIS ITM Sept 2014 [Schreibgeschützt].pdfVIP

Bisphenol-A Safe when used as intended May 2014 Agenda Introduction Facts Regulatory situation Consumer Safety Industry position further information BMS BPA communication strategy Discussion BPA – Important building block for polycarbonate • Bisphenol A (BPA) has been used for more than 60 years as a building block for the high tech plastics, polycarbonate and epoxy resins. • Polycarbonate is used in many key industries: automotive, construction, electronics, medical technology, food packaging. • Polycarbonate combines numerous beneficial properties. It is stable, lightweight, transparent, durable, easy to shape and easy to recycle. • BPA is firmly bound in polycarbonate and is therefore released only in extremely small quantities. • There are no equivalent, thoroughly investigated and technically feasible alternatives to BPA for the production of polycarbonate. Page 3 • Bisphenol-A safe when used as intended • March 2014 Why is there a debate about BPA? • BPA is one of a number of chemicals that may have the potential to interact with hormone systems in the body (so- called ’endocrine active substance’). • Observations in cell cultures or in test animals often using artificial exposure scenarios presented as evidence of effects in humans. • A continuous flow of media articles about results of experimental studies fuels public and political concern. • Continuous negative public attention triggered decisions in some countries to ban the use of certain BPA-based products with reference to the precautionary principle e.g., ban of PC baby bottles within the EU. • Authorities all over the world confirm continuously the safety of BPA for the approved uses in food containers and pa