Statement

Danish Research Concludes No Risk From Phthalates in School Supplies

Parents should not be concerned about phthalates used in school supplies, Danish study suggests

ARLINGTON, VA (August 21, 2009) – In response to recent statements and media reports about phthalates used in school supplies, the American Chemistry Council today clarified that research conducted in 2007 indicates that normal use of vinyl school supplies containing phthalates does “not present any health risk” to children.

ACC senior director of the Phthalate Esters Panel, Steve Risotto, issued the following statement:

“A study conducted in 2007 by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency tested a number of school supplies, including school bags, toy bags, pencil cases, and erasers, and concluded that the phthalates found in the tested products do ‘not present any health risk at normal use of the products; neither in the individual products nor if children are exposed to several products at once—for instance through use of pencil case, eraser and school bag.’  The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks reviewed this study in 2008 and reached similar conclusions."

“Phthalates have a long history of safe use and have been extensively reviewed by governments around the world.  They neither migrate out of products easily, nor build up in the body.  In fact, the low levels of phthalates that do enter the body begin to break down within minutes and are quickly eliminated.  Importantly, based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies, average phthalates exposure levels are far below those set by the government to be protective of human health.”

Learn more about phthalates.