California relists BpA as hazardous, optical industry responds

Tuesday, May 26 2015 | 00 h 00 min | News

California has relisted Bisphenol A (BpA), a chemical important to the optical industry as a starting material for the production of polycarbonate lenses, on the list of hazardous substances known to cause cancer or birth defects and regulated under Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act.

Products sold in California with levels of hazardous substances greater than the legal limit must come with clear warning labels or face stiff penalties.

The Vision Council, a body that represents manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry, is reviewing the new ruling to determine if California is providing a “safe harbour” level for BpA. When BpA was previously listed under Prop 65 the safe harbour was above the levels of BpA encountered by consumers in optical products. Products with levels of hazardous substances below the safe harbour are not required to issue warning labels.

Further Information: http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/blog/bpa-added-california-proposition-65-list