The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued two draft risk-evaluation reports under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) addressing the phthalates di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). Both documents conclude that, under certain conditions of use, the chemicals present an “unreasonable risk” to human health and the environment.
Risk Evaluation
July 31 – DIBP: EPA released its draft risk evaluation for DIBP. Of the 24 conditions of use (COUs) assessed, two pose an unreasonable health risk to workers and four pose an unreasonable risk to the environment; the remaining 22 COUs are not currently associated with significant risk. The Agency notes that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) could mitigate the identified worker risks. No unreasonable health risks to consumers or the general population were found.
August 1 – BBP: EPA followed with the draft risk evaluation for BBP. Out of 24 COUs, 16 present an unreasonable health risk to workers and four present an unreasonable risk to the environment; two of these scenarios are deemed significant for both human health and the environment. As with DIBP, EPA states that PPE can reduce worker exposures, and no unreasonable health risks to consumers or the general population were identified.
Public Comment
EPA will publish a Federal Register notice in the coming days that opens a 60-day public-comment period. Comments may be submitted through the TSCA docket system:
- DIBP – Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0434
- BBP – Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0501
Next Steps
EPA’s Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) will not conduct a separate peer review of the DIBP and BBP drafts. Instead, the Committee is currently reviewing the drafts for DBP, DEHP, and DCHP while also examining several technical documents that underpin the DIBP and BBP evaluations. EPA will take both SACC recommendations and public comments into account before issuing final risk evaluations and deciding whether additional regulatory actions are warranted.
Further Information
