Bisphenol A in Batch 2 of the Challenge

Bisphenol A (commonly known as BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate, which is used in some products available to consumers. BPA may also be found in epoxy resins, which can act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans.

Canada took action on BPA by banning the manufacture, importation, sale or advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain BPA. This action is one of several taken under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) to protect the health of Canadians and the environment.

On this page

• Information gathering
  • 2021 Mandatory section 71 notice
• Technical consultation on possible BPA substitutes
• Environmental monitoring and surveillance
• Measuring effectiveness of risk management
• Risk management action milestones
• Timeline
• Resources

Information gathering

2021 Mandatory section 71 notice

In November 2021, a notice was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I: Vol. 155, No. 46 – November 13, 2021 under section 71 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). The notice targeted 188 substances that are BPA and BPA structural analogues and functional alternatives (BPA SAFAs) to understand the commercial status, industrial processes (for example, facility releases), and downstream use of these substances.

For more information, please visit the BPA SAFAs web page.

Technical consultation on possible BPA substitutes

In December 2020, the document entitled Technical Consultation: Proposed Subgrouping of Bisphenol A (BPA) Structural Analogues and Functional Alternatives was published for a comment period that ended on February 17, 2021.

For more information, please visit the BPA SAFAs web page.

Environmental monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring and surveillance are key elements of the CMP and are important for identifying exposures to substances and associated environmental or human health implications.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) monitored levels of BPA in surface water, sediment, fish, birds, wastewater, and landfill leachate collected from selected sampling sites across Canada during various time periods (between 2004 and 2018).

The report Bisphenol A in the Canadian Environment summarizes monitoring and surveillance data generated by ECCC scientists in order to provide information on the spatial distribution and temporal trends of BPA in Canada.

Measuring effectiveness of risk management

In July 2020, the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Risk Management Measures for Bisphenol A (BPA) – Ecological Component was published.

This report measures the effectiveness of the Government of Canada's actions in reducing the concentration of BPA in the environment. It evaluates the effectiveness of actions taken and compares concentrations of BPA in the environment to the levels recommended in the Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for BPA.

In December 2018, the Bisphenol A Risk Management Approach: Performance Evaluation for BPA-Health Component was published.

This report outlines and measures the progress made towards meeting the human health risk management objective of minimizing infant exposure to BPA to the greatest extent practicable.

For more information, please visit the Performance measurement for toxic substances web page.

Risk management action milestones

The risk management action milestones table outlines the status of actions that were proposed for BPA when the risk management approach was published. BPA met the criteria of section 64 of CEPA 1999.

Resources

• Bisphenol A (for consumers)
• Food and nutrition - BPA
• Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Notice Requiring the Preparation and Implementation of Pollution Prevention Plans in Respect of Bisphenol A in industrial effluents (April 14, 2012)
• Environmental Performance Agreement Respecting Bisphenol A in Paper Recycling Mill Effluents (March 5, 2013)
• Canada Gazette, Part II: Final Order Adding Bisphenol A, a Substance in Batch 2 of the Challenge, to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (October 13, 2010)
• Notices of Objection (and Request for Board of Review for Bisphenol A)
• Canada Gazette, Part II: Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Hazardous Products Act (Bisphenol A) (March 31, 2010)
• Final screening assessment (October 18, 2008)
• Proposed risk management approach (October 18, 2008)