ECHA Proposes Phthalate Ban in Consumer Goods

The European Chemicals Agency is proposing comprehensive restrictions on the presence of phthalates in consumer goods in order to safeguard human health. The proposal is in conjunction with Denmark and includes also products that are imported into the EU market.

The consumer products affected by the ban would not be limited to flooring, wires and coated fabrics/paper, but would also include mattresses, footwear, office supplies, recreational apparatus and other moulded plastic articles. ECHA and Denmark’s proposal appears to stem from the endocrine disrupting properties of phthalates, which are already subject to restrictions under REACH legislation.

It is suggested that this proposal would cost €16.9m per annum, however ECHA claim this would be offset by savings of at least €32.2m per annum in reduced social damage.

Phthalates potentially affected by the proposal include BBP, DIBP, DBP and DEHP.