The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) intended to review the restrictions on four phthalates under REACH: diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
The four phthalates had been restricted under REACH annex XVII, mainly for toys and children's care products. They are often applied as a plasticizer in resin and plastic, commonly presented in toys and child care products, footwear, clothing, etc. Relevant studies show that phthalates function as estrogen in human body to disrupt endocrine, which will reduce quality and count of sperm, or worse result in carcinoma of testis.
Any proposed restriction will apply to the following phthalates.Substance | EC number | CAS number |
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) | 201-553-2 | 84-69-5 |
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) | 201-557-4 | 84-74-2 |
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) | 201-622-7 | 85-68-7 |
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) | 204-211-0 | 117-81-7 |
The ECHA has announced that this restriction will depend on the outcome of the assessment, the scope of the restriction might be broad or targeted specifically to articles or article groups that are the main contributors to exposure of the general population.
The expected date for the submission of the restriction is 8 January 2016. Following the submission, a process of public consultation will commence, during which concerned parties are invited to comment on the proposal.