USCPSCProposed ban on phthalates in toys
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is preparing to propose permanent bans on five additional phthalates in children's toys and child care products.
The ban recommendation is based on risk studies conducted by the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) on 14 phthalates and six alternative substances.
CHAP study results suggest that diisobutyl phthalate (DINP), di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnNP), di-n- hexyl phthalate (DnHP) and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) in children's toys and child care products should be permanently limited to less than 0.1%. There are currently no restrictions on the addition of the above chemical substances on the U.S. market. However, the toxicological profiles of these chemicals are very similar to those of other anti-androgenic phthalates, so exposure to a wide variety of similar chemicals poses a risk of multiplicative risk.
CHAP also recommended that the Commission amend the short-term ban on the addition of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) not exceeding 0.1% to a permanent ban.
The CPSC passed the resolution and proposed policy modifications that cover most of the CHAP recommendations, except for the recommendations on diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP) that were not adopted.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was implemented in 2008 and has promulgated three phthalate bans, including:
– di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP);
– dibutyl phthalate (DBP);
– butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP).
The short-term bans issued by the CPSIA include:
– Diisononyl phthalate DINP;
– Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP);
– Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP).
Source: Environmental Leader (2015-01-12) (PIDC compilation)
