infonews.co.nz: "All regulators would like to see further research to address shortcomings in the existing studies and to provide more certainty. Otherwise the danger is that poor decisions may be made on the basis of public opinion and perception rather than real risk.
While decision-making that places a high value on public opinion and politics is a legitimate approach in a democracy, we all have to wear the outcome of the decision. A decision that gives more weight to public opinion than solid scientific evidence might not improve health outcomes but it may take useful products out of action or increase costs unnecessarily. Of most concern, it may open the way for another – potentially even greater – risk. We all know that one alternative to plastic babies’ bottles – glass – is not entirely risk free. But, the greatest risk by far with food is pathogenic bacteria. If we ban plastic wrap or polycarbonate containers because of perceived issues with BPA, we may expose ourselves to higher levels of bugs in our food. This is likely to be a far greater danger than the miniscule amounts of BPA we are currently ingesting.
When we take an action, we have to understand and live with the consequences."
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