Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical listed under Proposition 65 as a reproductive toxicant (female endpoint) effective May 11, 2015, and separately listed as a reproductive toxicant (developmental endpoint) effective April 6, 2018. OEHHA has established a Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for BPA of 3 micrograms per day (female reproductive endpoint). BPA is widely used as a monomer in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, appearing in food can linings, water bottles, thermal paper, and medical devices. BPA’s listing led to widespread reformulation of consumer products and significant enforcement litigation.

OEHHA Proposition 65 list; MADL: 3 μg/day (female reproductive, 27 CCR §25805); listed April 6, 2018 (developmental) and May 11, 2015 (female reproductive).

Manufacturers and importers of products containing BPA — including polycarbonate plastics, epoxy can coatings, and thermal paper — must assess whether BPA exposure from their products exceeds the MADL of 3 μg/day. Companies that have reformulated products to be BPA-free must verify that substitute bisphenol compounds (e.g., Bisphenol S) do not themselves trigger Proposition 65 obligations. Note: Bisphenol S (BPS) was voted for listing as a reproductive toxicant by DARTIC in January 2025.