In May of 2019, ACC’s High Phthalates Panel (ACC HPP), representing major producers, importers, and users of diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and other high molecular weight phthalates, submitted a request for an EPA risk evaluation of DINP and a request for an EPA risk evaluation of DIDP. These manufacturer-requested risk evaluations were made under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). We consider these requests an important tool that will expedite transparent, fair, and evidence-based risk evaluations of DINP and DIDP as they each are currently used in commercial and consumer products in the United States.
DINP and DIDP are two of the most thoroughly-studied compounds in the world and have been reviewed by numerous government regulatory agencies in the last 6 years, including the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS), and Canada’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Ministry of Health. These agencies found that these high molecular weight phthalates are safe as currently used. We believe that a broad-based risk evaluation of DINP and DIDP is in the interest of consumer confidence in this country.
We look forward to the agency completing these risk evaluations within the timeframe set forth under TSCA, and consistent with the guidance to apply the best available science and to rely on the weight of the evidence, as required by the statute. We stand ready to assist the agency if additional information is needed to complete the reviews.