[ 18 April 2006 ]

EU confirms that the most widely used plasticisers are safe

Brussels, 18 April 2006: The EU has confirmed that two of the most widely-used plasticisers 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 plasticiser, 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).

Reflecting on the wider implications of the results for producers and users Dr Cadogan commented “Once the REACH legislation enters into force, the conclusions of the risk assessments and the body of research that underpin them will be of great assistance to both producers and users of these substances.”

Phthalates are the most commonly used plasticisers in the world. They are a family of substances that have been in use for more than half a century, primarily to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft and flexible. They bring benefits to many products used in important industrial, commercial, institutional, and consumer products. These include underground and underwater cables, electrical wiring, building and construction materials, underbody automotive protective coatings, medical applications, institutional and household flooring.

Note to editors:

Further information on the risk assessments, copies of the Commission Recommendation and Communication from the Official Journal, and copies of the risk assessment reports and summaries can be obtained from the DINP Information Centre and DIDP Information Centre web sites:

http://www.dinp-facts.com/RA  and http://www.didp-facts.com/RA

Please also see: http://www.phthalates.com/RAs

For further information please contact:

Tim Edgar
European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates
Avenue E Van Nieuwenhuyse 4,
B-1160 Brussels, Belgium

Telephone: 0032 2 676 7363
Mobile: 0032 475 37 66 93

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A series of advertisements will be appearing in specialist and downstream media to highlight these risk assessments.