On July 18, 2014 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a report recommending the permanent ban of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, CAS 84-69-5), di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPP, CAS 131-18-0), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP, 84-75-3), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP, CAS 84-75-3) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP, CAS 28553-12-0) from children’s toys. DIBP, DnHP, DCHP and DINP are also used in food contact. DnHP, DCHP and DINP find application in adhesives and as plasticizers according to U.S. FDA regulation. DIBP is authorized for use in adhesives and cellophane in the U.S.. DINP is authorized for use in adhesives in the U.S. and as a plasticizer under the European regulation EC 10/2011 of plastic food contact articles. Under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) 3 pthhalates, namely di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, CAS 117-81-7), dibutyl phthalate (DBP, CAS 84-74-2), or benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP, CAS 85-68-7), are already banned from children’s toys. These three phthalates are allowed to be used in FCMs in Europe and the U.S.. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) argued in a press release that the CPSC used a flawed evaluation process and the recommendation should only be used for regulation after public comment has been sought. The Breast Cancer Fund on the contrary suggested that the report may impact not only the restrictions on phthalate use in toys, but also in food and cosmetics.
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (July 2014). “Chronic hazard advisory panel on phthalates and phthalate alternatives.” (pdf)
ACC (July 19, 2014).“ACC challenges the conclusions of the CPSC CHAP Report on phthalates based on a flawed CPSC process.”
Breast Cancer Fund (July , 2014). “Scientific panel confirms threat to children’s health from exposure to toxic phthalates in kids’ toys.”
