What are the standards concerning phthalates in products?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used in plastics to make them soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in a variety of common household products including cosmetics and personal care products, automotive and building products, food and beverage packaging and soft, plastic children’s toys. The following phthalates are listed under Proposition 65 because they are known to cause reproductive harm: • Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) • Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) • Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) • Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) • Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP) (Not AB 1108 or CPSIA listed) Under Proposition 65, significant exposure to any of these named phthalates would require a warning prior to the exposure. “Safe harbor levels” for DEHP, DBP, and DnHP have been established which indicate when a Proposition 65 warning is required. More information about safe harbor levels, including a list of all available safe harbor levels may be found here: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/getNSRLs.h
