CPSC Panel Discusses Risk Assessment Approaches for Phthalates Study
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) on phthalates and phthalate substitutes discussed possible risk assessment approaches during its November 15, 2010 teleconference.
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Panel to Use Specific Scenarios to Study Phthalates Exposure from Consumer Products
The CHAP participants stated that they could use available bio-monitoring data to determine children’s total exposure to phthalates from all sources. However, they agreed that in order to address exposure from consumer products, they would have to do some specific scenarios. Among other things, they agreed to look at benchmark doses and “end points.”
Will Also Study Phthalates in Food and Drugs, Pregnant Women
The group also decided to consider data on phthalates in food and drugs, even though these are not products regulated by CPSC, as these may also be important sources of exposure. In addition, they agreed to consider data on pregnant women as there is reason to believe pregnancy is a strong entry point for phthalates.
CPSIA Banned 6 Phthalates (But 3 Are Only Temporarily Banned)
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) permanently prohibits the sale of “children’s toys or child care articles” containing more than 0.1% of DEHP, DBP, or BBP phthalates. It also prohibits, on an interim basis, the sale of “children’s toys that can be placed in a child’s mouth” or “child care articles” containing more than 0.1% of DINP, DIDP and DnOP phthalates.
CPSIA also Requires CHAP to Study Phthalates & Alternatives
In addition, the CPSIA required CPSC to establish this CHAP to study the effects on children’s health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children’s toys and child care articles, the full range of phthalates used in products for children, and certain health issues related to phthalates.
The CHAP’s report is expected by approximately April 2012.