What is dibutyl phthalate (DBP)?

o In electrical and electronic applications, they are used to insulate wires and cables.
o Phthalate plasticizers are widely used in vinyl-based building materials. These materials include flooring and wall coverings. They provide them with flexibility and durability.

Conclusion

2001-2006 – DINP and DIDP are safe for use in current applications

The results of the risk assessment indicate that DINP and DIDP pose no risk to human health or the environment in any of their current uses.

2012 – Australian risk assessment confirms DIDP.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing reported that current exposure to DINP, even at the highest exposure levels, does not pose a health concern for children. These exposures do not constitute a restriction on the use of DINP in toys and childcare articles.

2013 – European Commission confirms safe use of DINP and DIDP in all current consumer uses - European Commission report

The European Commission (EC) has re-evaluated the restrictions on the plasticisers DINP and DIDP. They concluded that:

• No unacceptable risks have been identified for the use of DINP and DIDP in mouth-to-mouth devices.
• Evaluation of potential alternatives has been less relevant due to the lack of additional risks from the use of DINP and DIDP.

2014 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) repealed the ban on DIDP and DNOP and banned levels of DINP in child care products above 0.1%.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) established a Chronic Hazards Advisory Panel (CHAP).

The panel studies and reviews the potential adverse health effects of phthalates used in child care products.

This work is being done under Section 108 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008:

• Three phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) are permanently banned in any amount greater than 0.1% in children's toys and certain child care products.
• Three other types of phthalates (DINP, DIDP, DNOP) are temporarily banned at any level greater than 0.1% were banned

The CHAP report recommended the following:

• The permanent ban on DBP, BBP, and DEHP remains unchanged. In addition, DIBP, DPENP, DHEXP, and DCHP at levels above 0.1% would be added to the permanent ban list.
• The temporary ban on DINP at levels above 0.1% in children’s toys and childcare articles would be made permanent.
• The current bans on DNOP and DIDP would be repealed.
• The temporary use of DIOP would be suspended until sufficient data were available. This was done to determine whether permanent restrictions were necessary.
• No action has been taken on DMP, DEP, and DPHP at this time, but the relevant agencies have been asked to gather information on intake and risk. This work is being done to estimate the total intake with phthalate alternatives and the potential health risks.

Efforts to further regulate phthalates are also underway early in the Obama administration.This was done under the auspices of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. However, it never happened.