Plasticisers Update David Cadogan PVC Network Meeting Brussels 29 June 2006
2 DBP, DINP and DIDP Risk Assessments and Risk Reduction Strategies published in Official Journal on 13 April 2006 Human health risks: DBP – No consumer risks including cosmetics. Risk to workers assuming worst case exposure – OEL to be set by SCOEL DIDP – Theoretical risks for children via toys – Toy legislation DINP – No risks in any current use – Toy legislation due to difference of opinion between RAR and CSTEE Environmental risks: DBP – Possible risk to vegetation near some processing plants - Extra monitoring data on exhaust air DINP and DIDP – No risks Risk Assessments / Risk Reduction
3 DINP and DIDP - Two versatile high volume phthalates Finally perceived as being “Risk Free” following revision of legislation for use in toys For both health and environmental effects Can be used in all applications except toys and childcare articles “which can be put in the mouth” Not hazardous - not classified CMR or Dangerous to the Environment Large shift in consumption to DINP and DIDP Risk Assessments / Risk Reduction
4 Press release – good media coverage Advertorials placed in trade journals Spreading the Good News on DINP and DIDP
6 European Voice advertorial (8 -14 June) caused a reaction from DG Env in a letter to the Editor on 21 June. Did not mention toy restrictions – can not be used safely in all applications Marketing and use of DINP and DIDP has been restricted by Directive 2005/84/EC Misleading view of their readiness for reach – Industry still has to complete a registration dossier. Risk assessment does not mean that it is rubber stamped by the EU as being safe Spreading the Good News on DINP and DIDP
7 European Voice say they do not publish letters relating to advertisements ECPI has a response ready if required Advertisement explicitly refers to “current applications” DINP and DIDP have been restricted in toys since 1999 and the restriction was extended in December 2005 Toys that can be put in the mouth are no longer a “current use” We agree there is more work to be done for REACH. These plasticisers are ready for that work. We will be meeting with DG Environment ASAP Spreading the Good News on DINP and DIDP
8 BBP Will be completed via “written procedure” during Consumption falling rapidly BBP human health risks: Few, if any, risks anticipated BBP environmental risks: Possible risk to water and sediment near processing plants - Fish study underway. Processing plant emission data collected BBP Risk Assessment / Risk Reduction
9 DEHP Risk Reduction Strategy Meeting 6th June Human Health Workers – Community level OEL needed Children via toys – New legislation in place Haemodialysis and long term transfusion in children / neonates - Request opinion of expert medical committee Possibly children living near some processing plants – Agree Marketing and Use Directive to control DEHP emissions Environment Emissions to water – Establish EQS to be included in WFD DEHP Risk Assessment / Risk Reduction
10 Emissions from outdoor applications – Proposal by Sweden that DEHP should be banned in outdoor applications Supported by Germany and UK Opposed by Italy, Spain, France and Poland Helpful input by EuPC Final compromise "To consider within a reasonable time period the need for community level restrictions due to emissions to water from products containing DEHP, taking into account any additional information" Commission emphasised that thais was “to consider the need for restrictions” DEHP Risk Assessment / Risk Reduction
11 TCNES Meeting 13 – 16 June. DEHP Risk Assessment finalised Risks to children near processing plants only seen for default emission levels from hypothetical plants. No risks when using real emission data which are 1000 times lower. Sweden wanted to list the risks as occurring at all plants Finally compromised – results from both measured and modelled emissions will be listed This fits in well with the risk reduction strategy – plants using DEHP will only be allowed a certain emission level. We will be drafting the wording with Sweden and ECB DEHP Risk Assessment