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April 20, 2006
The European Union vs. the European Union
You will remember that the European Union recently banned the use of a number of phthalates in children’s toys, including the most commonly used one, DINP. And that the EU banned the use of DBP and some other phthalates in cosmetics. We’ve always asked "why?"
Not on the basis of any reliable evidence that they pose a threat to humans, we have always said. And now guess what? The EU agrees with us! That is, member state scientific institutes have studied the phthalates under the supervision of the European Chemicals Bureau, and three final reports were published April 13. The reports express themselves in somewhat different ways, but are clear in their findings.
For DINP, the full report flatly states that it found "no concern" for adults, children and infants (p. 256ff). That covers DINP’s use in toys. To read the full report, go to http://www.dinp-facts.com/upload/documents/document3.pdf.
A final report was also published on DIDP, which is a vinyl plasticizer used in flooring, wires and cabling. The report expressed no consumer concerns for DIDP as it is currently used. See http://www.didp-facts.com/upload/documents/document5.pdf.
The findings on DBP were also crystal clear. The report found “no concern for consumers using nail polish containing DBP” (p 108). Addressing a recently raised issue, the review panel found "no concern for breast-fed babies." See http://www.dbp-facts.com/upload/documents/document30.pdf.
We will be sure to make these reports available to state legislators who are being lobbied by interest groups to support copycat versions of EU legislation banning DINP and DBP!
See our Panel statement for a more detailed discussion.
Posted by Marian at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)