EU confirms plasticizer safety

4 May 2006

The European Union has confirmed that two of the most widely-used plasticizers are not classified as hazardous and pose no risks to either human health or the environment from their current use.

The publication in the European Union Official Journal of the outcomes of the EU risk assessments for Di-‘isononyl’ phthalate (DINP) and Di-‘isodecyl’ phthalate (DIDP) marks the end of a 10 year process of extensive scientific evaluation by regulators and provides confirmation of safety for users across Europe.

“After such resounding regulatory conclusions from the European Union, downstream users can continue to use DINP and DIDP with the utmost confidence” said Dr David Cadogan, Director of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI).
Following the recent adoption of EU legislation with the regard to the marketing and use of DINP and DIDP in toys and childcare articles, the risk assessment conclusions published today in the Official Journal clearly state that there is no need for any further measures to regulate the use of DINP and DIDP.

The rigorous EU risk assessments, which include a high degree of conservatism and built-in safety factors, have been carried out by France (rapporteur), the European Chemicals Bureau, member states and under the strict supervision of the European Commission, provide a clear scientific evaluation on which to judge whether or not a particular substance can be safely used.

The outcome of the risk assessment for the lesser-used specialty plasticizer, DBP, has also been published in the EU’s Official Journal. Following the assessment, measures are to be taken within the framework of the IPPC Directive (96/61/EC) and the Occupational Exposure Directive (98/24/EC).