Statement

ACC Reaffirms Support For Science-Based Product Safety Decisions

Removing phthalates from fragrances is unnecessary and will not improve health and safety

ARLINGTON, VA (April 2, 2009) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today expressed concern that some manufacturers have chosen to remove phthalates from some fragrance applications without any scientific or regulatory basis.

ACC Vice President of Products Divisions, Sharon Kneiss, issued the following statement:

“Consumers need to know that the products they use are safe.  And while manufacturers certainly will make product decisions to address market and other concerns, there is no scientific or regulatory basis for removing phthalates from fragrances.  Phthalates have been extensively reviewed and deemed to be safe for use in a wide variety of consumer products by scientific panels in the U.S. and Europe.  In 2006, the European Union issued its final risk assessment for the primary phthalate used as a fragrance solvent – DEP – and concluded that there was ‘no concern to consumers.’  Removing phthalates from applications where their use has been deemed safe will have no real health or safety benefits.”

Learn more about phthalates.