ECPI Statement on endocrine disrupting effects from phthalates, the Commission database on substances for further evaluation and the plans of the Swedish BASTA

The High Molecular Weight (HMW) phthalates, DINP, DIDP, DPHP are not classified for any adverse health effects and do not cause adverse effects via an endocrine mechanism – hence they are not endocrine disruptors.

Most recently, ECHA has finalized a 4 years lasting re-evaluation of the hazard and exposure data for two of the HMWs, DINP and DIDP, including the extensive reproductive and endocrine data and taking into account the most recent data on DINP. The conclusion is that the health effects to be used in risk assessments for these HMWs are mild liver effects observed in rats.

While ECHA in effect, confirmed to keep the existing precautionary restrictions in toys and childcare articles which can be placed in the mouth, it is important to stress that “no further risks were identified” for adults and children.

ECHA confirmed that DINP and DIDP are safe for use in all current applications, including flooring.

For your information, please read the ECHA report.

Adoption of the report by the European Commission is expected very shortly.

The DG Environment Priority List of Substances for further evaluation for endocrine effects which has been converted into a database is simply an outdated list for “further evaluations”. The “list” originally was put together more than 10 years ago by consultants.

Swedish BASTA is proposing to utilize the Commission database in granting its certifications for construction industry products in Sweden. Given the above mentioned deficiencies, ECPI does not agree with this approach from BASTA.

ECPI understands though that BASTA is open to receive new information and has also recently agreed to move to a more holistic approach involving risk assessment and the development of appropriate guidance documents. ECPI understands that BASTA will not apply the Commission database for DINP and DIDP until the development of the appropriate BASTA guidance documents; construction products containing DINP and DIDP will therefore continue to be granted certification by BASTA