The European Chemical Agency, which oversees the control of petrochemical substances in the EU, has confirmed an ongoing restriction on the use of plasticizers di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodectyl phthalate (DIDP) in children's toys and opened a 12-week consultation into the substances.
"Based on existing restrictions, these phthalates cannot be used in toys and childcare articles which can be placed in the mouth by children," ECHA said in a draft report Monday, adding that "no further risk reduction measures are needed to reduce the exposure of children to DINP and DIDP."
ECHA said it invited interested parties to provide any new comments or scientific information by July 31 this year before carrying out a final ruling on the substances.
The competing general purpose plasticizer dioctyl phthalate, also known as DOP or DEHP was registered for use in the EU in 2010. DOP, made using phthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol is mainly used for rendering polyvinyl chloride soft and pliable. In recent years, DIDP and DINP have replaced DOP in the manufacture of PVC. DOP is banned from all toys and childcare articles.
