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 2006Human 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European Voice say they do not publish letters relating to advertisements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 2006.

• 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 JuneHuman 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 emissionsEnvironment• 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