Number: RL34572
Title: Phthalates in Plastics and Possible Human Health Effects
Authors: Linda-Jo Schierow, Resources, Science, and Industry Division; Margaret Mikyung Lee, American Law Division 
Abstract: "Phthalates" refers to a group of chemical compounds that are heavily produced and widely used to make the plastics found in thousands of consumer products. The most common use of phthalates is to increase the flexibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) polymers. Phthalates are released from those products over time, and are dispersed to the air, water, soil, and living things. Some (but not all) of these phthalates are known to cause reproductive damage in rodents. Recent interest by governmental bodies, including Congress, in the potential adverse human health effects that might be related to phthalate exposure has focused on six phthalates that are produced and used in very large quantities. The six phthalates are di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP). H.R. 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act, as amended and approved by conferees, would prohibit the sale of children's toys and child care articles that contain more than 0.1% of DEHP, DBP, or BBP. A similar ban would apply for DINP, DIDP, and DnOP until the Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a rule either establishing or eliminating the ban on a permanent basis.
Pages: 22
Date: November 5, 2008