Bisphenol AHandling Guide

Table of ContentsIntroduction ................................................................................................................1

Guide Preparation ..........................................................................................1Legal Disclaimer ..............................................................................................2Copyright Notice ............................................................................................3

Chemical and Physical Properties ..............................................................4Production Information ......................................................................................6Applications and Uses ........................................................................................8Physical Hazard Information..........................................................................11Overview of Potential Health Effects........................................................13Exposure Potential ..............................................................................................17First Aid ....................................................................................................................19Workplace Health and Safety ......................................................................21

Engineering Controls..................................................................................21Product Handling and Transfer............................................................21Storage Considerations ..........................................................................23Personal Protective Equipment ..........................................................23Workplace Exposure Limits ..................................................................24

Environmental Information ............................................................................27Environmental Fate and Effects..........................................................27Spills and Clean-up ....................................................................................27 Waste Disposal Considerations..........................................................28

Regulatory Information ....................................................................................31Additional Information ......................................................................................33

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IntroductionWhen handled and managed appropriately, bisphenol A (BPA) has a low potential for hazard to workers and the environment. In industrial settings, including facilities where BPA is used, it is important to implement adequate measures to protect workers and the environment.

This guidance document contains information on the handling ofBPA in industrial settings. In addition, this Guide provides informationon regulations, health effects, environmental fate and effects, andproduct applications associated with BPA. It is intended to assistthose who manufacture, distribute, handle, use, and dispose of BPAin industrial settings to support the safe handling of this material. Although this Guide provides information on international legislativeor regulatory requirements, users of the Guide should note that thisinformation is very limited in scope.

Guide Preparation As members and affiliated companies of the American ChemistryCouncil, we support efforts to improve the industry’s responsiblemanagement of chemicals. To assist in this effort, the AmericanChemistry Council’s Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group prepared and published this Guide.

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Legal DisclaimerThe Bisphenol A Handling Guide was prepared by the AmericanChemistry Council's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group. It is intendedto provide general information to persons who may manufacture,distribute, handle, use, store, or dispose of BPA. It is not intended toserve as a substitute for in-depth training or specific handling orstorage requirements, nor is it designed or intended to define orcreate legal rights or obligations. It is not intended to be a "how-to"manual, nor is it a prescriptive guide. All persons involved in handling BPA have an independent obligation to ascertain that their actions are in compliance with current international, national or federal, state or provincial, and local laws and regulations andshould obtain appropriate expert consultation through their employer or legal counsel concerning such matters. The Guide isnecessarily general in nature and individual companies may varytheir approach with respect to particular practices based on specific factual circumstances, the practicality and effectiveness of particular actions, and economic and technological feasibility.Any mention of specific products in this Guide is for illustration purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of such products.

Consult the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) orSafety Data Sheet (SDS) for product-specific information on BPA.

Neither the American Chemistry Council, nor the individual member companies of the Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group, nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees, subcontractors, consultants, or other assigns, makes any warranty or representation,either express or implied, with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Guide; nor do the

American Chemistry Council or any member companies assumeany liability or responsibility for any use or misuse, or the results of such use or misuse, of any information, procedure, conclusion, opinion, product, or process described in this Guide. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

The information contained in this Guide may be periodically updated or may be outdated. Contact your employer or the staffmanager of the American Chemistry Council’s Polycarbonate/BPAGlobal Group to determine if a newer edition is available.

For more information on material presented in this Guide, pleasecontact your employer or BPA supplier

Copyright NoticeThis work is protected by copyright. Users are granted a nonexclusive royalty-free license to reproduce and distribute thisGuide, subject to the following limitations: (1) the work must be reproduced in its entirety, without alterations; and (2) copies of the work may not be sold.

Copyright © 2013 American Chemistry Council. All Rights Reserved.

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Chemical and Physical PropertiesConsult the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) orSafety Data Sheet (SDS) for product-specific information on chemical and physical properties.

Structure

Chemical NameTSCA, DSL Phenol, 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis-ASIA-PAC 4,4’-isopropylidenediphenolEINECS 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol

Common Name Bisphenol A (BPA)

IUPAC Name 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane

CAS RN 80-05-7

Molecular Formula C15H16O2

Synonyms 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol2,2-bis-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propane Phenol, 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis- 4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bisphenol4,4'-dihydroxyphenyl-2,2-propaneDiphenol methylethylidene

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Properties

• White to light tan solid flake, powder, prill, or crystal• Solid at ambient conditions• Mild phenolic odor

Molecular Weight 228.29 g/mol

Boiling Point @ 680°F (360°C); @ 4mm Hg: 428°F (220°C)atmospheric pressure

Melting Point 309-314 °F (154-157°C) (may vary with crystalline form)

Flash Point 405 °F (207°C)(Cleveland Open Cup)

Explosive limits (in air) Minimum explosive concentration 0.012 g/L of air with oxygen > 5%

Auto-ignition temperature 990°F (532°C)

Vapor pressure 5.3 x10-9 kPa at 25°C

n-Octanol-water partition 3.4coe∞cient (log Kow)

Solubility in water 300 mg/L

Oxidizing properties Not an oxidizing agent

Specific Gravity @ 25°C 1.195

Bulk Density 600-720 kg/m3

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BPA is commercially manufactured via anacid-catalyzed reactionbetween phenol and acetone in an enclosedcontinuous processunder mild conditions of temperature and pressure.

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The reaction mixture is then purified by distillation or crystallization,excess reactants are recovered, and purified BPA is formed as afree-flowing, spherical prill, granular flake, or crystal. Particle sizevaries according to the type of product, ranging from approximately0.9 mm to 1.2 mm. The primary byproduct in this process is water.

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Applications and UsesBPA is mainly used as a chemical intermediate, and primarily as a keymonomer in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin production.

Polycarbonate plastic is lightweight, durable and shatter-resistant and is used to make a wide variety of products. It also has excellentthermal and electrical insulation properties. It is corrosion-resistant to many substances that attack other materials. It is inherently transparent, making optical devices possible. The flexibility of polycarbonate plastic, when heated, allows it to be easily molded into complex shapes and forms, facilitating integration of different materials and functions. Some noteworthy examples of polycarbonate uses include:

• Sports safety equipment

• Healthcare and medical devices

• Automotive, marine and aerospace applications

• Electronic equipment (product housings, optical media)

• Building and construction

• Packaging (reusable bottles, food containers)

• Home appliance housings

• Security (bullet-resistant shielding, protective visors)

Epoxy resins have critical uses in coatings, particularly in the automotive industry, where the resins are used in primers, topcoats,and powder coatings. Epoxy resins are also components of food andbeverage can coatings used to protect the contents of the can andto maintain freshness and flavors. They are also used as a protectivecoating on a wide range of consumer items. Epoxy products provideexcellent adhesion and corrosion resistance properties.

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Physical Hazard InformationReactivity Hazard Potential Under ambient temperature and pressure conditions, BPA is chemically stable. When handling BPA, avoid contact with oxidizingmaterials such as peroxides and perchlorates, as they may react violently when combined with BPA.

Fire and Explosion Hazard PotentialAll solid forms of BPA are friable (in other words, easily reduced to powder) and therefore, during processing, handling, and transportation, may form dust. As a solid flake, powder, prill or crystal, BPA is not flammable. Similar to other organic dusts, powdered bulk material can present an explosive dust-air mixture,which can result in a flammable or explosion hazard. It is importantto avoid accumulation of dust.

Under fire conditions, the smoke may contain the original material in addition to combustion products of varying composition.Combustion products may include, but are not limited to, phenoliccompounds, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Smoke may beirritating, and the compounds in the smoke may present toxicityconcerns. To minimize smoke exposure, isolate the fire area anddeny unnecessary entry. Avoid contact with the material and smokeduring firefighting operations. Suitable fire extinguishing media include foam, dry chemical, or water spray.

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Overview of Potential Health E≠ectsThis section provides a brief overview of information pertaining to potential health hazards associated with exposure to BPA. A comprehensive discussion of health effects information pertaining to BPA is beyond the scope of this Guide. For more information, contact your employer or supplier.

Potential workplace exposure to BPA is primarily associated with dust inhalation and skin contact. Direct exposure of the respiratory tract, eyes or skin may result in health effects as discussed below. Ingestion is not expected to be a primary route of exposure for workers.

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Overview of Potential Health E≠ects (continued)

Inhalation Dust and/or vapor may result in irritation to the upper respiratory tractwith symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose and sore throat.

Exposure to vapors is expected to be minimal at room temperature due to the low vapor pressure of BPA and becauseBPA is a solid at room temperature.

Vapors may be generated when BPA is in the molten state. BPA manufacturing occurs under closed conditions; therefore, the vapors generally do not travel into the workplace atmosphere.

Skin ContactBrief skin contact is generally non-irritating. Prolonged or repeated exposure may result in irritation with symptoms of reddening and itching.

Animal toxicity data suggest that BPA is not likely to act as a sensitizer or photosensitizer in humans; however, when exposure toBPA is combined with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun orother sources, a skin reaction or photosensitization may be possiblein humans.

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Eye ContactExposure to BPA dust may result in irritation with symptoms of reddening, tearing, stinging and swelling of the eye tissue.

Ingestion BPA has low acute oral toxicity (LD50 > 2,000 mg/kg - rat). IngestedBPA is rapidly metabolized to a biologically inactive compound thatis excreted.

Chronic HazardThe European Union Risk Assessment (updated 2008) assessedBPA exposure of workers and concluded that current risk reductionmeasures (e.g., protective clothing and workplace safety measures)provide adequate protection to workers. The potential for chronichealth effects relating to exposure to BPA is the subject of ongoingscientific research. For more information concerning potentialchronic hazards from exposure to BPA, contact your employer orsupplier.

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Exposure PotentialBPA is manufactured in a closed process. However, potential exposure during manufacture and/or handling could occur duringsampling, bagging, loading, unloading, or plant maintenance activities. Exposure to dust is also possible, with the most likely exposure routes by inhalation or dermal contact.

Other concerns in the BPA manufacturing process include potential exposure to phenol. Ensure adequate controls are in place to reduce the likelihood of exposure to phenol.

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First Aid Consult and follow product-specific first aid instructions that areprovided in the MSDS/SDS. This Guide provides a general outline oftypical first aid protocols used by BPA manufacturers.

Eye ContactFlush eyes immediately with plenty of lukewarm water for an adequate period (typically, at least 15 minutes); hold eyelids openwhile irrigating. If wearing contact lenses, flush with water first, andremove lenses only after flushing with water. Get medical attention if irritation develops.

Skin ContactRemove contaminated shoes and clothing. Wash affected areaswith soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation develops. Formolten product, immediately immerse affected area in cool water orflush with large amounts of cool water, and get medical attention.

InhalationIf dust is inhaled, leave the area and go to an area where fresh air is available. If breathing difficulty is experienced, seek a properlytrained person to administer oxygen. Get medical attention if signsof respiratory tract irritation develop.

IngestionDo not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Seek medical attention immediately.

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Workplace Health and Safety Engineering ControlsControl airborne BPA dust with appropriate engineering controlssuch as local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Recognized practices suchas those suggested by the American Conference of GovernmentalIndustrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other country-specific guidance or regulatory requirements provide guidance on well-designed engineering controls.

Product Handling and Transfer Use appropriate workplace controls during handling processes tominimize dust formation. Keep dust away from heat sources, andminimize or eliminate any ignition sources. Ignition sources can include, but are not limited to, hot surfaces, sparks, flames, or staticcharge build-up. When cleaning up BPA powder and dust, minimizethe generation of dust, for example, by using vacuums or non-sparking tools to remove dust from surfaces. Use of propergrounding and bonding procedures can help to reduce or eliminateignition potential from static charge. Antistatic bags do not completelyprotect against the build-up of charges. For more information onthis topic, please refer to NFPA Standards 68, 69, 77, and 654, orother country-specific guidance or regulatory organizations.

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Workplace Health and Safety(continued)

There are a number of ways to manage a transfer system. Two possible approaches are discussed below:

• Construct the transfer system with fully conductive materials. It is important that transfer equipment be properly bonded and grounded to help prevent static build-up. Check the grounding and bonding field system on a periodic basis to determine whether it is operating properly. In addition, safety interlocks may be considered as a mechanism to help prevent the transfer of material in the event that a proper ground is not established.

OR

• Before transferring material into a large vessel such as a silo,

hopper, railcar, or truck trailer, purge the transfer and receiving vessel with nitrogen. The purpose of the purge is to reduce the oxygen content in the vessel so it is incapable of supporting combustion. An in-line oxygen sensor is used to monitor oxygen content of the vessel with this transfer method. Interlock the oxygen sensor with automatic valves to help prevent thetransfer of material if the oxygen content is above established levels. In the event that a nitrogen purge is performed by personnel, strongly consider the use of supplied air respiratory protection for personnel, due to the potential for an oxygen deficient atmosphere.

Contact with heated vessels, transfer lines, instrument loops, tracinglines, and sampling points can result in thermal burns. Thorough external insulation of heated equipment and lines can help preventthermal burns.

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Storage ConsiderationsStatic build-up increases the risk for dust explosion. Proper groundingof storage silos helps prevent the possibility of static build-up. Written procedures and checklists can be valuable tools to detailthe methods used to measure the effectiveness of the grounding field.

Padding storage silos with an inert atmosphere will help reduce thepotential for dust explosion. A pressure and vacuum relief deviceequipped with a flame arrester is used on the silo to maintain theinert atmosphere.

Personal Protective Equipment Consult and follow product-specific personal protective equipment(PPE) recommendations that are provided in the MSDS/SDS. ThisGuide provides general information about PPE selection.

It is important to use appropriate PPE when engineering controlsare not feasible. Appropriate eye and skin protection should beworn in all BPA handling situations. When working with BPA in thesolid or dust forms, follow the specific PPE recommendations madeby your employer; these typically include work shoes, gloves, longsleeves and pants or a protective suit. Eye protection includessafety glasses with side shields or goggles. Use gloves that arechemically resistant to this material (e.g., nitrile). When selecting specific PPE, give consideration to all relevant workplace factors,such as, but not limited to: other chemicals that may be handled;physical requirements; frequency and duration of tasks; sensitivitiesor allergies to PPE material; as well as the instructions/specificationsprovided by your employer or PPE supplier.

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Workplace Health and Safety(continued)

Workers involved in the manufacture of BPA should follow the specific instructions and requirements of their employers with respect to the use of PPE. Your employer may require the use of additional PPE when handling samples in liquid form or when performing maintenance (e.g., changing production equipmentcomponents, such as filters). These extra precautions are warrantedbecause the liquid reaction mixture used to manufacture BPA contains solvents, particularly phenol. When handling phenol, PPEtypically includes a full chemical suit made of non-permeable material equipped with a supplied air respirator. Skin exposure tophenol can have dangerous health effects, so complete protectionis needed when performing a task where there may be exposure tophenol. Consult with your employer or supplier for additional guidance on the handling of phenol. Manufacturers of phenol mayoffer a separate guidance document or PPE guidance for handlingphenol. Phenol exposure is not of concern for workers who handleBPA as finished product in flake, powder, prill or crystal form, as thephenol is fully consumed in the BPA manufacturing process.

When workers must access the top of a railcar or truck, appropriate fall protection may be necessary. Consult with your employer for company-specific requirements.

Workplace Exposure LimitsThe U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hasnot established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for BPA. Likewise,the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists(ACGIH) has not established a threshold limit value (TLV) for BPA.

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There are, however, general exposure limits for dust. OSHA established a PEL for Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR)of 15 mg/m3 for total dust and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction;ACGIH established a TLV for Particulates Not Otherwise Classified(PNOC) of 10 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, and 3 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction.

In Europe, however, exposure limits have been established for BPA. The AGW, or “Arbeitsplatz Grenzwert,” which translates to workplace exposure limit, is a legal limit (published in the TRGS900) enforceable in Germany, and has been established at 5 mg/m3for the inhalable fraction of BPA. In 2004, the EU DG EmploymentScientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) recommended an Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Value(IOELV) for BPA of 10 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA). This value has not beenformally adopted but is expected to be included in a forthcomingIOELV Directive.

In Japan, workplace exposure limits for BPA have not been established by the Government or the Academic Circle. However,the Japan Society for Occupational Health established an occupational exposure limit for organic dust (Class 3) of 8 mg/m3for total dust and 2 mg/m3 for respirable dust.

Workplace exposure limits and other regulatory requirements are subject to change. Check with the relevant government or scientific authority for the most current information.

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Environmental Information Environmental Fate and E≠ectsBPA is readily biodegradable and its bioconcentration potential islow. Numerous environmental fate and toxicity studies indicate thatthe current manufacturing and use patterns of BPA pose a low riskto the environment. When released into the environment (surfacewaters), aquatic toxicity tests suggest that BPA is only moderatelytoxic to aquatic organisms.

Spills and Clean-upIn the event of a spill, take appropriate actions to contain the spilland avoid contamination of soil and surface or ground water. BPA ismoderately toxicto fish on an acute basis. Avoid or minimize humanand animal contact with contaminated soil or water. Because BPAcan form an explosive dust/air mixture, remove ignition sources.

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Environmental Information(continued)

If a spill occurs, isolate the area. Do not allow smoking in theseareas. Take appropriate precautions to avoid creating dust. Keepunnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering the area.Emergency personnel should wear proper protective equipmentand follow emergency procedures carefully. The material should becaptured, collected and re-processed, or disposed of, according toapplicable national/federal, state/provincial or local regulations.

Decontaminate or dispose of PPE following spill cleanup in accordance with guidance from your employer or supplier.

Waste Disposal ConsiderationsDisposal must be in compliance with all applicable international, federal/national, state/provincial, local laws and regulations, and/orother country-specific guidance or regulatory requirements.

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Waste characterizations and compliance with applicable laws arethe sole responsibility of the waste generator.

For unused and uncontaminated product, methods of disposal include, but are not limited to, permitted recycling, reclaiming, incineration, or other thermal destruction methods.

Empty sacks or bulk sacks of BPA, unless thoroughly cleaned, arelikely to contain residual BPA. Consult with your employer or supplierfor more information about methods that may be available to cleanempty or bulk sacks. Otherwise, recycle, reclaim, incinerate, or otherwise thermally destroy the sacks in accordance with regulations.

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Regulatory Information United States

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: This material is a “Hazardous Chemical” as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.

NIOSH Skin Notation Profile: BPA is assigned a composite skin notation of SK:SEN for skin sensitization and photoallergy.

US Department of Transportation (DOT) Classification: Non-regulated; transported as a non-hazardous material.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) Sections 311 and 312:

• Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard Yes• Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard Yes• Fire Hazard No• Reactive Hazard No• Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard No

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) Section 313: BPA is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and is listed in 40 CFR 372.

Canada

Canadian Controlled Products Regulations: BPA is considered a controlled product under this regulation.

WHMIS Product Classification: D2, Subdivision B. 31

Regulatory Information(continued)

National Pollution Release Inventory (NPRI) Requirements: Reportable under NPRI.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Classification: Non-regulated, transported as a non-hazardous material.

The Canadian Government concluded in its final screening assessment of BPA that the substance meets one or more of the criteria in section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), and has added this substance to its list of toxic substances (CEPA Schedule 1).

Europe

Labeling: In accordance with Annex I of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 790/2009 and its amendments and adaptations:

Symbol: XnHazard description: Harmful Risk Phrases:

Irritating to respiratory system (R37)Risk of serious damage to eyes (R41)May cause sensitization by skin contact (R43)Possible risk of impaired fertility (R62) Harmful to aquatic organism (R52)

Safety Phrases: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice (S26)

Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection (S 36/37/39)

If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label (S46)32

Avoid release to the environment. Refer to specialinstructions/safety data sheets (S61)

Classification: Repr. Cat. 3, R62; Xi (irritant), R37, R41; R43; R52

Japan

Pollutant Release and Transfer Register / PRTR: BPA is designated as Class I Designated Chemical Substance

Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture: BPA is designated as a Type 3 Monitoring Chemical Substance.

Korea

Toxic Chemical Control Law (TCCL): BPA is categorized as an Observational Chemical

Check with relevant government authorities for the most recent information on regulatory requirements.

Additional Information

Refer to your supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

For additional information about combustible dust and explosion hazards, visit the NFPA website athttp://www.nfpa.org and/or the OSHA website at http://osha.gov.

For guidance on selection of appropriate ventilation controls, see the most current edition of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Industrial Ventilation Manual.

4,4’-Isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol-A) Risk Assessment Final Report. European Commission JointResearch Centre. June 2008, available at http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu.

Health Canada final screening assessment report and proposed risk management approach for Bisphenol A:http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/batch-lot-2/bisphenol-a/index-eng.php.

Japanese Government Bisphenol A risk assessment document produced under the ComprehensiveChemical Substance Assessment and Management Program:http://unit.aist.go.jp/riss/crm/mainmenu/e_1-10.html.

List of MAK and BAT Values 2006. DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Copyright 2006. WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim. P17, 30,179.

This Guide can be found online at http://www.bisphenol-a.org.

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