Lyla Lindsey
Phthalates are a group of chemicals added to plastics to make them softer and harder to break. They are also used in skincare products and perfumes as a lubricating agent. Due to their potential health risks, the Australian government has banned certain types of phthalates, specifically the phthalate called DEHP, which is commonly used in plastics. This ban aims to protect children from the risks associated with chewing and sucking on objects containing DEHP. Additionally, there have been discussions about regulating butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), another type of phthalate, due to its potential toxicity. These actions reflect Australia's efforts to address the potential health concerns associated with phthalates in consumer products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are phthalates banned in Australia? | Partially. The phthalate DEHP has been banned above a prescribed level. |
| Reason for the ban | Recent research has identified its negative health impacts, including reproductive toxicity for children up to 36 months of age. |
| Products banned | Toys and products for children that meet 3 criteria: intended for use by children up to and including 36 months of age, contain or have an accessible component containing more than 1% by weight of DEHP, and are made from soft flexible plastic or foamed plastic. |
| Other phthalates banned | Dibutyl phthalate, diethylphthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dimethylphthalate, di(methyloxyethyl) phthalate, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. |
| Other actions taken | The Australian Government phased out the resale of plastic baby bottles containing BPA in 2010. |
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What You'll Learn
Phthalates in skincare and cosmetics
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics softer and harder to break. They are also added to skincare and cosmetics as a lubricating agent, helping these products penetrate the skin and allowing fragrances to last longer.
In Australia, the phthalate DEHP has been banned in certain products, particularly those aimed at children who may chew or suck on them, due to its negative health impacts. Other phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, diethylphthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dimethylphthalate, and di(methyloxyethyl) phthalate, are listed in Schedule 10 of the Poisons Standard for cosmetic use or for use in leave-on skin products. These phthalates are considered antiandrogens, which can alter steroidogenesis and gene expression critical for male reproductive development.
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is another phthalate that has the potential to be used in cosmetics. While there is no evidence of its current use in Australia, the banning or strict limits of other phthalates increase the risk of BBP being used as a substitute. BBP is classified as a reproductive and developmental toxicant and is unsuitable for use in cosmetics.
To minimise exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to use natural skincare products and cosmetics, and to opt for essential oils instead of commercial perfumes.
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Phthalates in plastic products
Phthalates are a group of chemicals added to plastics to make them softer and harder to break. They are commonly used in the manufacturing process of plastics and can be found in a variety of products that people use daily. These include food packaging, plastic food storage containers, medical devices, and toys.
In Australia, there has been growing concern about the health effects of phthalates. Due to this, the Australian Government has taken steps to reduce the use of certain phthalates. The Phthalate called DEHP, or Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, has been banned in products aimed at children who may suck or chew on them. This is because there are risks of reproductive toxicity for children up to 36 months of age if they chew and suck objects containing DEHP for more than 40 minutes a day. This ban includes toys and products for children, such as inflatable toys and balls.
Other phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, and di(methyloxyethyl) phthalate, are listed in Schedule 10 of the Poisons Standard for cosmetic use or for use in leave-on skin products. These phthalates are considered antiandrogens, which can alter steroidogenesis and gene expression critical for male reproductive development. While there is no current indication of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) being used in cosmetics in Australia, it may be considered a substitute for other regulated phthalates, leading to its potential widespread use.
To minimize exposure to phthalates, Australians are advised to use alternatives to plastic products, such as glass or stainless steel water bottles and storage containers. They are also encouraged to reduce their use of canned food and drink, as they may be lined with BPA, and to opt for natural skincare products and cosmetics.
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Phthalates in food packaging
Phthalates are a family of chemicals added to plastics to make them softer and harder to break. They are commonly used in the manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are often referred to as "plasticizers". Phthalates have been detected in human serum, urine, amniotic fluid, and even umbilical cord blood, indicating their ability to migrate from plastic products into the human body. Due to potential health risks, the Australian government has banned the use of phthalates in certain products, such as plastic baby bottles, and has set restrictions on their levels in other products.
In food packaging, phthalates have historically been used to soften plastics and in minor food contact applications such as adhesives, lubricants, and sealants. The migration of phthalates from packaging into food is a concern for food safety regulators. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has conducted surveys to assess the risk of phthalates in food packaging, with reassuring results. Their studies found no detections of phthalates in food samples, indicating that the estimated dietary exposure to these chemicals is low and not a public health concern.
However, FSANZ also identified that further investigation was needed for two specific types of phthalates: di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). DEHP has been banned in Australia above a prescribed level due to its negative health impacts. It is important to note that the ban on DEHP and restrictions on phthalates in Australia primarily focus on children's products, as there is a risk of reproductive toxicity for children up to 36 months of age if they chew and suck on objects containing high levels of DEHP for prolonged periods.
To minimize exposure to phthalates in food packaging, Australian consumers are advised to reduce their use of canned food and drink, as they are often lined with BPA, another chemical of concern. Additionally, consumers are encouraged to use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic or paper bags and to avoid buying pre-packaged foods in plastic containers. Glass, stainless steel, and natural fibre alternatives are recommended for food storage to reduce potential phthalate exposure.
While the current data suggests that dietary exposure to phthalates through food packaging is not a significant health concern in Australia, FSANZ and the FDA continue to monitor and assess the safety of these chemicals in food contact applications. The FDA, in particular, has strict data requirements and regularly re-evaluates the safety of food contact substances, taking action as new scientific information becomes available.
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DEHP, a specific type of phthalate
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, commonly known as DEHP, is a type of phthalate—a family of chemicals added to plastics to make them softer and harder to break. DEHP is a commonly used plasticiser that makes plastic more flexible. Its primary use is as one of several plasticisers in polyvinyl chloride resins used for fabricating flexible vinyl products. It is also used to detect leaks in protective face gear and as a test material for filtration systems.
DEHP has been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the human and animal endocrine systems. Exposure to DEHP may occur through breathing in vapours, ingestion, skin contact, or through contaminated products such as medical products packaged in plastic, food packaged in certain types of plastics, and soils. Indoor concentrations of DEHP may be higher due to the presence of products that may emit DEHP, such as plastics.
In Australia, DEHP has been banned above a prescribed level due to its negative health impacts. There is a permanent ban on certain products containing DEHP, particularly those intended for children up to and including 36 months of age, as they can be poisonous if swallowed. This ban includes toys and products that can be easily chewed or sucked on by young children, such as inflatable toys and balls. The ban prohibits the supply of plastic products that meet specific criteria, and significant penalties apply to suppliers who fail to comply.
To minimise exposure to DEHP and other phthalates, Australians are advised to use alternatives to plastic products, such as stainless steel or glass water bottles, reusable grocery bags, and glass or metal cookware.
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Phthalates and their health impacts
Phthalates are a group of chemicals added to plastics to make them softer and harder to break. They are endocrine disruptors and are detrimental to human health. Phthalates can be found in most products that come into contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery.
Phthalates can enter the body through ingestion, absorption, and skin contact. They have been detected in human serum, urine, amniotic fluid, follicular fluid, placenta tissue, and umbilical cord blood. Chronic exposure to phthalates can adversely affect the endocrine system and the functioning of multiple organs, impacting the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems of both children and adults.
Several countries, including Australia, have established restrictions and regulations on certain types of phthalates. In Australia, the phthalate DEHP has been banned above a prescribed level due to its negative health impacts. Exposure to DEHP can cause reproductive toxicity in children up to 36 months of age if they chew and suck on objects containing DEHP for more than 40 minutes a day.
To minimize exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to use alternatives to plastic products, such as glass, stainless steel, or natural fabric. It is also suggested to reduce the consumption of canned food and drink, as they are often lined with BPA, another chemical compound that may be harmful to health.
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Frequently asked questions
Phthalates are a family of chemicals added to plastics to soften them and make them harder to break. In Australia, the phthalate called DEHP has been banned above a prescribed level due to its negative health impacts. Other phthalates are listed in Schedule 10 of the Poisons Standard for cosmetic use or for use in leave-on skin products.
DEHP (Diethylhexyl phthalate) is a commonly used plasticizer that makes plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft and flexible. It is also known by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 117-81-7.
DEHP was banned in Australia due to its potential health risks, particularly for children up to 36 months of age who may chew or suck on objects containing DEHP for extended periods.
The ban includes toys and products for children that meet specific criteria. Inflatable toys and balls are included in the ban unless they are intended to assist a child in floating or swimming in water. Products that are not suitable for children up to 36 months and have appropriate age labeling are not covered by the ban.
Yes, there are concerns about other phthalates such as butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) potentially being used as substitutes for currently regulated phthalates. BBP is classified as a reproductive and developmental toxicant and is included in Schedule 10 for cosmetic use to align with EU cosmetic regulations.
