Phthalates in Hearing Protection Products Limited under California Prop 65

A recent Prop 65 settlement reveals a consent agreement for phthalates in hearing protection products. Reformulated products are to contain less than 0.1% of each of the agreed phthalates, including DINP.
 
FANLING, China - Sept. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Proposition 65 is the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, a ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly by California residents in 1986 (1). Since its enactment, there have been numerous lawsuits which resulted in the reduction of carcinogenic and reproductive toxicity chemicals through reformulations of consumer products containing such chemicals.

Toxic Phthalates Can Cause Cancer

The Prop 65 list contains approximately 850 chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. This list includes six phthalates:

- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
- Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
- Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
- Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
- Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
- Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP)

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used in plastics to make them soft and flexible. They are also used as solvents in paints and similar surface coating materials to make them more spreadable.

Regulation of Phthalates under California Proposition 65

Over the years, consumer products containing phthalates (http://www.sgs.com/en/Our-Company/News-and-Media-Center/N...) have been consistently targeted. These include cables, computer accessories, furniture, gloves, lighting equipment, organizers, sports equipment and storage baskets.

On 12 December 2013, diisononyl phthalate (DINP) (newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-22513-us-california-incorporates-diisononyl-phthalate-40-dinp-into-prop-65-list-a4-en-13.pdf) was added onto the Prop 65 list of chemicals as a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer. This amendment took effect on 20 December 2013. Since 20 December 2014:

- Businesses have been required to provide a ‘clear and reasonable warning’ before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to DINP.

- California Attorney-generals, non-governmental organizations, and individuals acting in the public interest have been allowed to begin enforcement actions (newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-20314-cp65-enforcement-phthalate-dinp-20-december-2014-a4-en-14.pdf) against businesses that fail to warn consumers about exposure to DINP.

In May 2015, a Prop 65 settlement (www.sgs.com/en/Our-Company/News-and-Media-Center/News-and-Press-Releases/2015/07/SafeGuardS-12815-California-Proposition-65-Reformulation-of-DINP-in-PVC-Vinyl-Gloves.aspx) involving DINP in vinyl / PVC gloves was reached.  Under the terms of the settlement, reformulated vinyl / PVC gloves are to contain less than 0.1% DINP.

In July 2015, a Prop 65 settlement involving DEHP, DINP and DIDP in hearing protection products was reached.  Under the terms of the settlement, reformulated hearing protection products with vinyl / PVC ear cushions or ear plugs are to contain no more than 0.1% (1000 ppm) each of DEHP, DINP and DIDP.

Highlights of the settlement are summarized below.

Phthalate: DIDP, DEHP and DINP

Scope: Hearing protection products containing vinyl / PVC ear cushions or ear plugs

Reformulation: Below or equal to 1000 ppm each of DIDP, DEHP and DINP

Reference:

(1) California - Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Proposition 65 (oehha.ca.gov/prop65.html)

About SGS Toys & Juvenile Products

Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical and chemical testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...) and consultancy for phthalates and other restricted substances in consumer products for California and international markets.

Please do not hesitate to contact an SGS expert for further information.

Website: www.sgs.com/toys
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.

Contact
Hingwo Tsang
cts.media@sgs.com
+852 2774 7420
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