HA7 Phthalate Esters: Fate and Effects
201 Oregon Ballroom
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Thursday
() The fate of phthalate esters : should it be governed by hazard or risk.
Cadogan, D1, 1 European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI), Brussels, Belgium
ABSTRACT- Plasticisers, particularly phthalates, used in the production of flexible PVC have long been the focus of considerable media, legislative and scientific attention. Concerns have been raised regarding their possible negative impact on the environment due to alleged persistence, bioaccumulative, carcinogenic, and reproductive effects. As a consequence of these concerns many studies have been carried out, opinions have been given by various expert committees and risk assessments have been conducted by the European Commission. This presentation examines the most recent study results, hazard classification and risk assessment conclusions. It considers whether the latest regulatory and political actions have been based on the findings of the comprehensive, independent risk assessments or whether, due to the highly politicised nature of the PVC and phthalate debate, a more simplistic, hazard based approach is gaining acceptance. The impact of such a change on future chemical legislation and environmental protection is considered
Key words: hazard, phthalates, risk