Scientists rule current risk assessment models as reliable

Scientists rule current risk assessment models as reliable

The use of acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) as a plasticiser in children’s toys is not only safe, but current risk assessment models are reliable, European Union scientists have ruled.

The European Commission’s scientific committee on toxicity, ecotoxicity and the environment (CSTEE) has concluded that Toxicology/Regulatory Services Inc.’s (Charlotteville, USA) 2003 standard measurement of ATBC’s potential to leach into human saliva is “of good quality”. A committee report said: “The CSTEE is of the opinion that the risk assessment has provided sufficient evidence to show that toys plasticised by ATBC can be safely mouthed by children.”

These conclusions will help the EU develop toy safety policies, which have so far focused on phthalates. These make up 90% of the plasticisers used in western Europe.