In vitro study toward the endocrine activity and the genotoxic potential of migration products from plastic baby bottles

Bisphenol A (BPA) is documented in several studies to be a well-known source of food contamination. Recently, the European Union took a series of measures, including a ban for the import and sale of polycarbonate (PC) baby bottles to reduce BPA exposure of infants. Plastic alternatives to PC, which have massively appeared on the Belgian market, include polypropylene (PP), silicone, polyamide (PA) and polyethersulfone (PES). In a recent opinion (No. 8697, 11.03.2010), the Belgian Superior Health Council issued its concern regarding the alternatives to PC currently used. Furthermore, they asked to investigate the possible risks associated with the use of these alternatives. In this study, a screening towards the endocrine activity of chemicals migrating from PC alternatives, identified by the group of Simoneau, was performed by using different reporter gene assays. Furthermore, the genotoxic potential of these compounds was also assessed with the Vitotox assay, an indicator test for DNA damage. The aim of the screening was to select the substances that may present a risk for human health and thus require further characterization.