Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used as plasticizers to make plastics more flexible, durable, and transparent. They are also used as solvents in various consumer products, including cosmetics, fragrances, personal care products, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics.
Phthalates are not chemically bound to the products they’re added to, which means they can leach out over time and be released into the environment or absorbed by the body. They have been detected in air, water, soil, food, and indoor dust.
Concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of phthalate exposure, particularly their possible endocrine-disrupting properties. Some studies suggest that certain phthalates may interfere with hormone function, leading to developmental, reproductive, and other health issues. As a result, there has been increasing regulatory scrutiny and consumer awareness regarding the use of phthalates in various products.
Based on these growing concerns, the European Commission, working with the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER), had taken steps to establish a framework for risk-benefit assessments and how manufacturers would need to act. These restrictions were documented in the 2019 guidance, but it was determined that there was a lack of data to evaluate the options. As a result, SCHEER planned to reassess the guidelines after three years of use.
Recently, the EU Commission requested the first update from SCHEER since 2019, to which SCHEER has responded by providing information as to how the manufacturing community has evaluated potential alternatives to the use of phthalates and how this will impact both the design and use of their products. The update also includes new information on the classification of endocrine-disrupting hazards and the description of phthalates in general.
Comments on the proposed updates to the guidelines can be entered on the Commission’s website until April 28, 2024.
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