German Institute Recommends Restriction of DPHP Plasticiser

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published a report on the risk to children from di(2-propyl heptyl) phthalate (DPHP) in toys, concluding that in some cases exposure may exceed the estimated safe limit and recommending that the substance be considered for regulation under REACH.

BfR researchers carried out the risk assessment using test data from four toys provided by the monitoring authorities of the federal lander. The test results indicated that all four toys contained DPHP, at levels of between 10.1% and 48.2% by weight, and this exceed the safe exposure limit.

DPHP is mostly used as a plasticiser in PVC products such as cable sheathing and vehicle interiors. However, use of this unregulated substance in other products is increasing as a substitute for regulated phthalates such as di-isobutylphthalate (DIBP), which is on the REACH authorisation list. BfR staffs think of that toy producers, especially in China where most of the toys come from, are switching to DPHP since it is currently unregulated.”

Therefore, BfR recommend that DPHP should be considered for inclusion on Annex XVII, to limit the permitted concentration to 0.1%. The institute advises that progress towards restriction would require more data on concentrations of the chemical present in toys, and levels released from all children’s products.