CPSC Announces CHAP Teleconference on Phthalates and Phthalate Substitutes
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing a teleconference of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel on phthalates and phthalate substitutes at 12:00 p.m. EST on November 15, 2010. The CHAP is holding this teleconference in preparation for its next meeting on December 2-3, 2010. The November teleconference and December meeting will include discussions of possible risk assessment approaches.
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Requests to access teleconference are due via email at mbabich@cpsc.gov no later than November 4, 2010.
Public Can Listen, But Not Ask Questions or Comment
According to the CPSC, members of the public may listen to the CHAP’s discussion, but will not have the opportunity to ask questions, comment, or otherwise participate in the teleconference.
CPSIA Requires CHAP to Study Effects of Phthalates and their Alternatives
The CPSC appointed this CHAP to study the effects on children’s health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children’s toys and child care articles, pursuant to section 108 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). The CHAP will discuss possible risk assessment approaches for phthalates and phthalate substitutes.
Section 108 permanently prohibits the sale of any “children’s toy or child care article” containing more than 0.1% of each of three specified phthalates: di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). Section 108 also prohibits, on an interim basis, the sale of any “children’s toy that can be placed in a child’s mouth” or “child care article” containing more than 0.1% of each of three additional phthalates: diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP).
CPSIA Section 108 also requires the CPSC to convene a CHAP “to study the effects on children’s health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children’s toys and child care articles.” The CPSIA requires the CHAP to complete an examination of the full range of phthalates that are used in products for children and certain health issues related to phthalates.
CHAP report expected by approximately April 2012. The CPSIA contemplates completion of the CHAP’s examination within 18 months of its appointment1. CPSC sources add that the CHAP then has an additional 6 months to complete its report.
1The CHAP was appointed in early April 2010.
(FR Pub 11/03/10)