Studies reveal exposure of public to DEHP is well below levels that pose a danger to health

Studies reveal exposure of public to DEHP is well below levels that pose a danger to health

European Union experts have confirmed that DEHP plasticisers present no risk to health and are safe for general use.

Representatives from all 15 EU states agreed that the exposure of the general population is at least 700 times below levels at which their health might be put at risk.

Therefore, it was concluded, no risk reduction measures are required for the general population. The decision was based on studies that monitored the levels of chemicals and their breakdown products in people in Europe and the US.

David Cadogan, director of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates, welcomed the decision and highlighted the fact that they were taken on the basis of sound science.

“It clearly reflects the recognition that, when looking at the likely risks of chemical substances, biomonitoring studies are superior to the use of worst case exposure estimates and mathematical models that have previously been favoured,” he said.

However, the rapporteur is likely to ask for risk reduction measures in four areas: the use of DEHP in children’s toys, possible exposure in factories, localised environmental exposure near factories and medical devices.