PLASTICS AND HEALTH
EPA eyes action on phthalates and other chemicals / ACC disputes endocrine effects
The US government environmental protection agency EPA (www.epa.gov) is eyeing a “series of actions” on four chemicals, including phthalates, which it says “raise serious health or environmental concerns.” The agency said the Chemicals of Concern list it plans to draw up “may lead to regulations requiring significant risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment.” While EPA stopped short of mentioning the word ban, administrator Lisa P. Jackson said the agency will use its powers under the existing Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA) to the fullest extent possible, adding that the 1976 law is “both outdated and in need of reform” – see Plasteurope.com of 21.10.2009.
A recent Turkish report on phthalates found that at least the most commonly plasticiser, DEHP, may cause pubertal gynecomastia, an abnormal enlargement of the breasts in young boys. The research team said levels of DEHP and its byproduct MEHP were “markedly higher” in boys with gynecomastia, compared with those who did not have the condition. For boys with the highest MEHP levels, it saw the risk of enlargement as nearly 25-fold. The American Chemistry Council (ACC, www.americanchemistry.com) disputed the study, saying that it “does not fit with established science” and that a “signicant amount of laboratory data” shows neither DEHP nor MEHP to have estrogenic activity.
Along with phthalates, the Chemicals of Concern list will address short-chain chlorinated paraffins, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOA. Noting that this is the first time EPA has used TCSA to list chemicals that “may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment,” Jackson said producers can provide information to the agency if they want to demonstrate that their chemical does not belong on the list.
Since taking office a year ago, the EPA chief has been seeking more authority to compel industry to comply with regulations, leading to speculation that the Obama administration may be eyeing REACH-style chemicals legislation.
A recent Turkish report on phthalates found that at least the most commonly plasticiser, DEHP, may cause pubertal gynecomastia, an abnormal enlargement of the breasts in young boys. The research team said levels of DEHP and its byproduct MEHP were “markedly higher” in boys with gynecomastia, compared with those who did not have the condition. For boys with the highest MEHP levels, it saw the risk of enlargement as nearly 25-fold. The American Chemistry Council (ACC, www.americanchemistry.com) disputed the study, saying that it “does not fit with established science” and that a “signicant amount of laboratory data” shows neither DEHP nor MEHP to have estrogenic activity.
Along with phthalates, the Chemicals of Concern list will address short-chain chlorinated paraffins, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOA. Noting that this is the first time EPA has used TCSA to list chemicals that “may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment,” Jackson said producers can provide information to the agency if they want to demonstrate that their chemical does not belong on the list.
Since taking office a year ago, the EPA chief has been seeking more authority to compel industry to comply with regulations, leading to speculation that the Obama administration may be eyeing REACH-style chemicals legislation.
11.01.2010 Plasteurope.com [215148]
Published on 11.01.2010