Phthalates are used to soften PVC plastics in a wide range of applications: clothing, PVC building materials, medical products, cosmetics, toys, child care articles & food packaging. But fears that the chemicals were ingested by children when chewing plastic toys prompted the Commission to order a temporary ban on Phthalates in 1999. The substance is widely believed to be harmful to human health, causing damage to the reproductive system & increasing the risks of allergies, asthma & cancer. The risk assessment process was officially closed on 11 April with the publication in the OJ of the final appraisal concerning three Phthalates (DINP, DIDP & DBP). This evaluation process brings an end to controversy over health & environmental risks of some Phthalates, in applications ranging from PVC flooring to cosmetics, children toys, or food packaging.
