US EPA Moves to Regulate Five Phthalates Over Health and Environmental Concerns
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to regulate five phthalates following final risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The substances under review are:
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP; CAS 85-68-7)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP; CAS 84-74-2)
- Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP; CAS 84-61-7)
- Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP; CAS 117-81-7)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP; CAS 84-69-5)
These chemicals are widely used as plasticizers in flexible plastics, including some food contact materials, as well as in adhesives and coatings. According to the Food Packaging Forum's database on migrating and extractable chemicals, these phthalates have been detected in or can migrate from food contact materials.
The EPA's evaluations identified significant risks to workers in certain industrial applications, particularly through inhalation during manufacturing or spray processes. Environmental risks were also highlighted, with four of the five phthalates posing threats to aquatic life. In addition, the agency noted potential impacts on human health, including hormone disruption and other endocrine-related effects, raising particular concern for sensitive populations such as women of reproductive age, pregnant women, infants, and children.
Phthalates are recognized internationally as chemicals of concern. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) classifies the group as hazardous, and the European Union lists several as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) due to their endocrine-disrupting properties.
Moving forward, the EPA plans to work with industry, labor groups, and communities to develop targeted measures that protect both workers and the environment while managing phthalate use responsibly.
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