Statement

ACC Expresses Commitment to Work with Health Canada on Phthalates Review

ARLINGTON, VA (June 19, 2009) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today responded to Health Canada’s proposed restrictions on the use of phthalates in children’s products.

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

“ACC is committed to working with Health Canada and stands ready, willing and able to demonstrate the sound science behind phthalates. We urge the agency to review the strong body of scientific evidence and to consider carefully the real risks to children in addressing potential restrictions.

“There is no scientific basis to believe that Health Canada’s decision to restrict certain phthalates in children’s products will improve public health or meet the stated objective of protecting the health and safety of Canadian children.  Phthalates have a long history of safe use and have been extensively reviewed by governments around the world. Because phthalates neither migrate out of products easily, nor build up in the body, research has not demonstrated adverse effects to humans from phthalates at typical exposure levels. In fact, phthalates begin to break down within minutes and are quickly metabolized.  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.