Phthalate substitutes in toys not a health risk

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Four substances, which are substitutes for phthalates in toys, do not pose a risk to children’s health. This conclusion is reached by ANSES, the French agency for food, environmental and occupational health and safety. An ANSES study comprising five phthalate substitutes had particular focus on children under the age of three, as oral exposure is an important exposure route for small children. The following four phthalate substitutes did not cause concern: 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisonyl ester (DINCH) diethylhexyl-terephthalate (DEHTP) acetyl-tributyl-citrate (ATBC) 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB) The fifth substitute, bis(2-ethylhexyl) isophthalate (DOIP), however, could not be assessed properly due to lack of available data. ANSES recommends that the substance is not used in toys or materials until it has been thoroughly assessed. Further information is available at: ANSES opinion on Plastic toys and children’s equipment intended for children under three years of age

DHI Chemicals and Regulatory Toxicology Newsletter, November 2016 ;http://www.dhigroup.com ;