The CPSC's Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) that has been studying the health effects of phthalates and pthalate alternatives used in children's toys and child care articles issued a report indicating that no changes are needed. The report notes that while pthalates cause wide concern, there are not many studies showing health effects. The Panel made the following recommendations:
That no further action be taken by CPSC on dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at this time because they are already permanently banned in children’s toys and child care articles at levels greater than 0.1%. However, the CHAP recommends that U.S. agencies responsible for dealing with DBP, BBP, and DEHP exposures from food and other products conduct the necessary risk assessments with a view to supporting risk management steps.
The interim ban on the use of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) in children’s toys and child care articles at levels greater than 0.1% be made permanent.
The CHAP did not find compelling data to justify maintaining the current interim bans on the use of DNOP or DIDP in children’s toys and child care articles. Therefore, the CHAP recommends that the current bans on DNOP and DIDP be lifted.
The CHAP recommends no action on dimethyl phthalate (DMP) or diethyl phthalate (DEP).
For a full copy of the CHAP's recommendations, contact SGIA at govt@sgia.org.