DOCSLIB.ORG

Unveiling the Toxic Secrets of Food and Beverage Packaging

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Unveiling the Toxic Secrets of Food and Beverage Packaging WHAT’SWHAT’S ININ THETHE PACKAGE?PACKAGE? Unveiling the Toxic Secrets of Food and Beverage Packaging A REPORT BY CLEAN WATER ACTION AND CLEAN WATER FUND • AUGUST 2016 AUTHORS • Audrey L. Thier Consultant WHAT’S • Miriam Gordon California Director, Clean Water Fund • Andria Ventura IN THE Toxics Program Manager, Clean Water Fund ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was made possible in part through PACKAGE? the generous support of the California Wellness Foundation and the Marisla Foundation. Thank you to Maricel V. Maffini and Tom Neltner Unveiling the for sharing their invaluable expertise on the food packaging regulatory structure and for their review. We also thank Avinash Kar, Debbie Raphael, and Toxic Secrets Caroline Cox for reviewing all or part of the report. of Food and Report Design: Emily Scott Beverage Packaging Clean Water Fund is a national 501(c)(3) research and education organization that has been promoting the public interest since 1978. Clean Water Fund supports protection of natural resources, with an emphasis on water quality and quantity issues. Clean Water Fund’s organizing has empowered citizen leaders, organizations and coalitions to improve conditions of hundreds of communities, and to strengthen policies at all levels of government. www.CleanWaterFund.org Clean Water Action is a national 501(c)(4) environmental organization with nearly one million members nationwide. Clean Water Action works for clean, safe and affordable drinking water, prevention of health-threatening pollution, creation of environmentally-safe jobs and businesses, and empowerment of people to make democracy work. Clean Water Action has organized strong grassroots groups, © 2016 Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund. coalitions, and campaigns to protect our environment, Clean Water Action requests that you provide health, economic well-being, and community quality of life. appropriate credit on all reprinted materials. www.CleanWaterAction.org TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... i INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................1 I. Food Packaging Chemicals Pose Significant Health Hazards .....................................................3 Endocrine Disruption ........................................................................................................................................3 Cancer .................................................................................................................................................................5 Cardiac Toxicity ..................................................................................................................................................5 Other Health Effects ..........................................................................................................................................5 II. Packaging Chemicals Contaminate Food and the Environment ...............................................6 Chemical Migration ...........................................................................................................................................6 Significant Presence in Humans ......................................................................................................................7 Food Consumption as Chemical Exposure Pathway .....................................................................................7 Non-Intentionally Added Substances ..............................................................................................................8 A Social Justice Issue .........................................................................................................................................8 Environmental Contamination and Wildlife Effects .......................................................................................9 III. Regulations Fail to Protect Public Health or the Environment ................................................11 Federal Food and Drug Administration .........................................................................................................12 Food Packaging Chemicals Regulations and Approvals by the Numbers ..................................................12 • Indirect Food Additives ............................................................................................................................13 • Threshold of Regulation ..........................................................................................................................13 • Food Contact Substance Notification .....................................................................................................13 • Generally Recognized as Safe .................................................................................................................14 Examples of Regulatory Failure ......................................................................................................................16 • Bisphenol A ..............................................................................................................................................16 • Phthalates ................................................................................................................................................17 • Fluorochemicals ......................................................................................................................................17 • Perchlorate ..............................................................................................................................................18 IV. Industry Influence and Political Failure ............................................................................................19 V. What’s in the Package is a Secret .........................................................................................................21 VI. California’s Limited Framework for Reducing Chemical Hazards from Packaging ..........23 California’s Laws Do Not Adequately Address Food Packaging Disclosure ...............................................24 VII. RECOMMENDATIONS: Advancing the Public’s Right To Know About Chemicals in Food and Beverage Packaging .........................................................................................................25 VIII. CONCLUSION: What’s in the Package is in our Food...and it’s a Secret .................................28 ENDNOTES .............................................................................................................................................................29 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS BPA Bisphenol A BPB Bisphenol B BPE Bisphenol E Alternatives to BPA BPF Bisphenol F BPS Bisphenol S CAS Chemical Abstract Service CBI Confidential Business Information CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDER Center for Drug Evaluation and Research CEDI Cumulative Estimated Daily Intake DBP Dibutyl Phthalate DEHA Di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate DEHP Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DiNP Diisononyl phthalate EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency FCM Food Contact Material FCS Food Contact Substance FDA United States Food and Drug Administration FFDCA Federal Food Drug and Cosmetics Act FIFRA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act FSMA Food Safety Modernization Act GRAS Generally Recognized as Safe HPP 4-cumylphenol Alternative to BPA MOU Memorandum of Understanding NHANES National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NIAS Non-Intentionally Added Substances NTP National Toxicology Program OEHHA California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment OPPT EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics PBDE Polybrominated diphenyl ether PET Polyethylene terephthalate PFAAs Perfluoroalkyl acids PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid PFOS Perfluoroctane sulfonate PMN Pre-manufacture Notice PVC Polyvinyl chloride TNPP Tris (nonylphenol) phosphate TOR Threshold of Regulation TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act EXECUTIVE SUMMARY n 1906, Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle1 shocked Inventory, or those that have eliminated chemical the American public with its horrific exposé of the ingredients rather than list them on product labels Imeat processing industry. Four months after the under the requirements of Proposition 65 in Califor- book was published, Congress passed the first restric- nia. Others have responded to requirements to list tions on food processing. Congress took broader specific chemicals as in the flame retardant in furni- action in 1938 by passing the Federal Food Drug and ture label required on California’s recently enacted Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requiring ingredient labels, SB 1019 (Leno). detailed information about when and where food is grown and processed, and regulation of how it is Packaging Chemicals Pose packaged. It led Americans to believe the U.S. had the highest standards for a safe food supply. But in recent Significant Health Hazards years, American confidence in the safety of the U.S. Very few of the thousands of food packaging chemi- food supply has been eroding, from 78% in 2012 to cals in use have undergone rigorous health risk 61% in 2015, with concern about chemicals in food assessment, so a comprehensive analysis of health overtaking fear of food borne illness as Americans’ hazards is not possible. However, one recent analysis top food
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Business Guidance on Phthalates
    Business guidance on phthalates How to limit phthalates of concern in articles? November 2013 Danish branch of EPBA, Brussels This guidance has been prepared on the initiative of the Danish EPA and organisations, DI (the Confederation of Danish Industry), the Danish Chamber of Commerce, DI ITEK (the Danish ICT and electronics federation for it, telecommunications, electronics and communication enterprises), BFE (the Danish Consumer Electronics Association), Batteriforeningen (the Danish branch of the European battery association EPBA), ITB (the Danish IT Industry Association) and FEHA (the Danish Association for Suppliers of Electrical Domestic Appliances) in a collaboration between the Danish EPA and representatives from the organisations. The guidance applies to companies marketing articles to either private or industrial users in Denmark. The target group is buyers in Danish companies that import or act as commercial agents, intermediaries or retailers, as well as foreign companies that export to Denmark. 2 Content How to limit phthalates of concern in articles? ................................................................... 4 Key to identification of articles with phthalates .................................................................. 8 Facts on phthalates ............................................................................................................................. 10 What should you ask your supplier? .......................................................................................... 11 What are the
    [Show full text]
  • A Simple, Fast, and Reliable LC-MS/MS Method for Determination and Quantification of Phthalates in Distilled Beverages
    A Simple, Fast, and Reliable LC-MS/MS Method for Determination and Quantification of Phthalates in Distilled Beverages Dimple Shah and Jennifer Burgess Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA APPLICATION BENEFITS INTRODUCTION ■■ Separation and detection of 7 phthalates Phthalates, esters of phthalic acid, are often used as plasticizers for polymers such in 11 minutes. as polyvinylchloride. They are widely applicable in various products including personal care goods, cosmetics, paints, printing inks, detergents, coatings, ■■ Simple, quick “dilute and shoot” sample preparation method for routine applications and food packaging. These phthalates have been found to leach readily into the where high sample throughput is required. environment and food as they are not chemically bound to plastics. As such they are known to be ubiquitously present in our environment. ■■ Elimination of major phthalate contamination using the ACQUITY UPLC® Isolator Column. Phthalates have been reported to show a variety of toxic effects related to reproduction in animal studies, which has resulted in these compounds being ■■ Selective mass spectra obtained for all seven considered as endocrine disruptors. Screening food and beverages for phthalates phthalates with dominant precursor ion. contamination is required by many legislative bodies, although regulations vary ■■ Low limits of quantification achieved using from country to country in regards to acceptable daily tolerances and specific Waters® ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System migration limits. and Xevo® TQD. Traditionally, phthalates have been analyzed by gas chromatography-mass ■■ Single and robust method for a variety spectrometry (GC-MS), where derivatization and/or extraction and sample of distilled beverages. preparation is often required to improve chromatographic separation.1 The ■■ Maintain consumer confidence and resulting GC-EI-MS spectra can lack selectivity, where the base ion, used for ensure compliance in market.
    [Show full text]
  • Floor Polishing Composition
    Europaisches Patentamt 0 358 984 J European Patent Office (p) Publication number: A2 Office europeen des brevets © EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION £) Application number: 89115478.3 (f) int. ci.5- C09G 1/16 © Date of filing: 22.08.89 ® Priority: 16.09.88 US 245427 © Applicant: STERLING DRUG INC. 90 Park Avenue © Date of publication of application: New York New York(US) 21.03.90 Bulletin 90/12 @ Inventor: Jethwa, Anil Parmanand © Designated Contracting States: 1363 Omara Drive AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI NL SE Union New Jersey 07083(US) ™) Representative: Baillie, lain Cameron et al c/o Ladas & Parry Isartorplatz 5 D-8000 Munchen 2(DE) © Floor polishing composition. © An aqueous cleaning, coating and polishing composition consisting essentially of 1 to 20% by weight of a water insoluble alkali soluble addition polymer comprising at least one hydrophilic monomer selected from acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and at least one hydrophobic monomer selected from alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate, where aikyl has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and at least one hydrophobic monomer selected from styrene and monoalkylstyrene where monoalkyl has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, 1 to 13% by weight of an alkali soluble 2:1 to 3:1 styrene:acrylic acid resin, 5 to 15% by weight of a fugitive plasticizer, 1 to 3% by weight of a permanent plasticizer, 0.01 to 0.05% by weight of an anionic or nonionic fluorocarbon surfactant leveling agent, 0.0003 to 0.003% by weight of a dimethylpolysiloxane antifoaming agent; 0.0003 to 0.003% by weight of a 1 ,2- benzoisothiazol-3(2H)-one or 3(2H)-isothazolone preservative, ammonia to provide a pH of 8.0 to 9.6 and water q.s.
    [Show full text]
  • BMF 32 - Plasticizers: Phthalates and Adipates
    BMF 32 - Plasticizers: Phthalates and Adipates Phthalate and adipate esters are widely used as surfactants and in food and per- sonal care products as plasticizers. Phthalates and adipates are also found in food as a result of leakage into food containers. Chiron offers a wide range of analytically pure deuterated and native phthalates and adipates, as well as mixes. Custom made mixes are available on request. Metabolites: Phthalate biomarkers It has been shown that dialkylphthalates are metabolized in the body to endocrine-active monoalkyl- phthalates, and appears to be linked with the prevalence of abdominal obesity and insulin resistance in men. General information Neat Compounds: Most of the compounds are also available in neat form. Please inquire for an offer. Custom solutions: Please inquire for custom solution of the plasticizers. Please inquire if you have need for others. Other labelled plasticizers are available upon request (deuterium or 13 C). Description of pr. no.: iso- octane (IO), isopropanol (IP), n-hexane (HX), mixture of solvents (MX). Phthalates, adipate and similar plasticizers Phthalates Deuterium labelled phthalates 2478.10-100-IO Dimethyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2892.12-K-IO Diethyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 9365.14-100-IO Di-n-propyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 9926.16-100-IO n-Butyl-2-methylpropyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2479.16-100-IO Di-n-butyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 9925.18-100-IO n-Pentyl-3-methylbutyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2893.18-100-IO Di-n-pentyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2893.18-100-HX Di-n-pentyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2893.18-K-IO Di-n-pentyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 3125.18-100-IO Benzyl-n-butyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 9366.20-100-IO Dicyclohexyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 9367.20-100-IO Di-n-hexyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2361.24-100-IO Di-n-octyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2361.24-100-IP Di-n-octyl phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 2894.24-K-IO Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-3,4,5,6-d4 Monophthalate esters (metabolites) 3805.
    [Show full text]
  • Five Keys to Safer Food Manual
    FIVE KEYS TO SAFER FOOD MANUAL DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SAFETY, ZOONOSES AND FOODBORNE DISEASES FIVE KEYS TO SAFER FOOD MANUAL DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SAFETY, ZOONOSES AND FOODBORNE DISEASES INTRODUCTION Food safety is a significant public health issue nsafe food has been a human health problem since history was first recorded, and many food safety Uproblems encountered today are not new. Although governments all over the world are doing their best to improve the safety of the food supply, the occurrence of foodborne disease remains a significant health issue in both developed and developing countries. It has been estimated that each year 1.8 million people die as a result of diarrhoeal diseases and most of these cases can be attributed to contaminated food or water. Proper food preparation can prevent most foodborne diseases. More than 200 known diseases are transmitted through food.1 The World Health Organization (WHO) has long been aware of the need to educate food handlers about their responsibilities for food safety. In the early 1990s, WHO developed the Ten Golden Rules for Safe Food Preparation, which were widely translated and reproduced. However, it became obvious that something simpler and more generally applicable was needed. After nearly a year of consultation with food safety expertsandriskcommunicators, WHOintroducedtheFive KeystoSaferFoodposterin2001.TheFive Keys toSaferFoodposterincorporatesallthemessagesoftheTen Golden Rules for Safe Food Preparation under simpler headings that are more easily remembered and also provides more details on the reasoning behind the suggested measures. The Five Keys to Safer Food Poster The core messages of the Five Keys to Safer Food are: (1) keep clean; (2) separate raw and cooked; (3) cook thoroughly; (4) keep food at safe temperatures; and (5) use safe water and raw materials.
    [Show full text]
  • Suitability of Food Additives: Combating Chemophobia and Consumer Misunderstanding
    Suitability of Food Additives: Combating Chemophobia and Consumer Misunderstanding Priscilla Zawislak Ashland, Inc. International Food Additives Council Safety of Food Additives • Food additives have been used safely for decades. • Food additives are thoroughly studied, including extensive toxicological testing and consideration of quality and specifications, before they are approved for use in food. • Testing includes short-term and long-term toxicity studies, including carcinogenicity studies with a built in safety factor to account for uncertainties. Suitability of Food Additives • Food additives afford us the convenience and enjoyment of a wide variety of appetizing, nutritious, fresh and palatable foods. • Food additives are critical to safe and nutritious foods and beverages. • Food additives used for technical purposes in finished foods fall into four main categories: Support nutrition delivery Support the maintenance of food quality and freshness Aid in processing and preparation of foods Make foods appealing to the consumer Feeding the World • Global Population Growth: 7 billion by 2010 9 billion by 2050 • That is 75 million more people to feed each year. • Almost 1 billion don’t have enough food today. • Food additives provide a solution to keep food safe and minimize food waste. Food Additives Have Many Technological Functions in Foods • Codex International Numbering System (INS) lists 23 functional classes for food additives, such as gelling agent, emulsifier, anticaking agent, etc. • System is hierarchical in that each of the 23 functional classes has sub-classes with additional functions. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) • GMPs state lowest level of food additive necessary to achieve technological function should be used in finished foods and beverages.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Patent Office Patiented Jan.5, 1963 2 Evaporation of the Solvent, to Leave Behind a Thin, De 3,073,794 Posited Film of the Polymer
    3,073,794 United States Patent Office Patiented Jan.5, 1963 2 evaporation of the solvent, to leave behind a thin, de 3,073,794 posited film of the polymer. Basically, a suitable poly SPRAYABLE, ANHYDROUS SOLUTION OF -V. mer is a “1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone polymer" and this is the NYL-2-PYRERODONE POLYMER IN CHELOR principal component. However, the term is also defined FLUORO HYDRO CARBON PROPELLANT George G. Stoner, Easton, Pa., assignor to General herewith to include not only the homopolymers but also a Aniline & Film Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corpor wide range of heteropolymers, copolymers, interpolymers, ration of Delaware terpolymers (three-component polymers) and, in general, No Drawing. Fied May 22, 1959, Ser. No. 814,999 polymers in which vinylpyrrollidone is either the sole com 6 (Cais. (CE. 260-33.8) ponent, a major component or a substantial component. O In the latter two instances the vinylpyrrollidone is copolym This invention relates to film-forming compositions, erized with such substances as vinyl acetate, isopropenyl and relates more particularly to sprayable film-forming acetate, vinyl laurate, vinyl stearate, vinyl oleate, vinyl compositions which are non-flammable and non-alcoholic benzoate, and other vinyl and isopropenyl esters; vinyl and which are eminently suitable for therapeutic pur chloride, 2-chloropropene, and other vinyl and isopropenyl poses. 5 halides; methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, isopropyl This application is a continuation-in-part of my ap vinyl ether, isobutyl vinyl ether, 2-ethoxyethyl vinyl ether, plication Serial No. 580,443, filed April 25, 1956 and now phenyl vinyl ether and other vinyl ethers; acrylic acid and abandoned.
    [Show full text]
  • PHTHALATES and BISPHENOL Poster
    INTRODUCTION PHTHALATES TESTING PROCEDURES BISPHENOL A TESTING PROCEDURES CHROMATOGRAMS: Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA) are chemicals widely used in manufacturing of plastics and epoxy resin. They are endocrine disrupters Apparatus: Apparatus: that can mimic human hormones. These chemicals are ubiquitous in our environment and can be found in 95% of humans. Recent studies 83 mL Universal 525 cartridge with 1500 mg special blend of C18 (UCT cat#: ECUNI525) 50 mL QuEChERS centrifuge tubes and salts packed in Mylar pouch (4000 mg magnesium sulfate, 1000 mg sodium chloride, 500 mg Phthalates testing of Sample 5 have found human exposures to phthalates and BPA resulted in adverse health effects, such as altered hormone levels, reproductive effects, Vacuum pump (UCT cat#: ECROCKER400) sodium citrate dibasic sesquihydrate, and 1000 mg sodium citrate tribasic dehydrate) (UCT cat#: ECQUEU750CT-MP) Abundance or increased incidence of diseases, including cancer [1]. 6-station manifold (UCT cat#: ECUCTVAC6) Derivatizing agent: MTBSTFA w/1% TBDMCS (UCT cat#: SMTBSTFA-1-1) TIC: 525_Sample5.D\datams Cartridge adaptor (UCT cat#: ECUCTADP) Sodium sulfate, anhydrous, ACS, Granular 60 Mesh (UCT cat#: ECSS05K) ) IS ( S) EPA has regulated the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate to be 6 ppb [2] and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate to be I ( ENV I R O 900000 20 L waste trap (UCT cat#: ECUCTTRAP20) 10 0 d 400 ppb [3] in drinking water. EPA has not regulated BPA in drinking water but has set up current safety level of BPA exposure to be 50 1 Fritted reservoirs with 50 µm Teflon frit (UCT cat#: ERTFT1FUNIP) QuEChERS Procedures: 800000 e n e d µg/kg/day [1].
    [Show full text]
  • Japan Japan Invites Comments for Genome-Edited Foods Handling Procedure
    THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY. Voluntary - Public Date: 7/5/2019 GAIN Report Number: JA9096 Japan Post: Tokyo Japan Invites Comments for Genome-Edited Foods Handling Procedure Report Categories: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies Agricultural Situation Grain and Feed Approved By: Barrett Bumpas Prepared By: Suguru Sato Report Highlights: On June 27, 2019, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) published a draft of the Handling Procedure of Foods and Food Additives Derived from Genome Editing Technology under Food Sanitation Act. Comments must be submitted in Japanese via an online system, mail, or fax by Friday, July 26, 2019. A WTO-SPS notification is unlikely since there are no legal changes. General Information: MHLW released a genome-edited food policy on March 27, 2019 (JA9050), however, internal discussion to establish the specific guideline for the handling of genome edited foods has continued. On June 27, 2019, MHLW published a draft of the Handling Procedure of Foods and Food Additives Derived from Genome Editing Technology under Food Sanitation Act. Comments must be submitted in Japanese via an online system, mail, or fax by Friday, July 26, 2019. A WTO-SPS notification is unlikely since there are no legal changes. How to Submit Comments 1. Comments on regulatory proposals by the Japanese Government can be sent electronically via the “e-Gov” system. The site can be found at: https://search.e- gov.go.jp/servlet/Public?CLASSNAME=PCMMSTDETAIL&id=495190105&Mode=0 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Management Regulations for the Environment-Related Substances to Be Controlled Which Are Included in Parts and Materials
    MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT-RELATED SUBSTANCES TO BE CONTROLLED WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN PARTS AND MATERIALS SS-00259 for General Use, Nineteenth Edition SS-00259 (19th Edition) for General Use Terms of Use: Copyright and all intellectual property rights in the content of this document are vested in Sony Group Corporation and reserved, unless otherwise indicated. This document is the Sony Technical Standard, SS-00259 for General Use, Nineteenth Edition. Copyright 2021 Sony Group Corp. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Sony Group Corporation. Copyright 2021 Sony Group Corporation SS-00259 (19th Edition) for General Use CONTENTS 1. PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................... 1 2. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................... 1 2.1 Scope applicable to parts and materials .............................................................................1 2.2 Scope applicable to products .............................................................................................. 1 3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................ 2 4. MANAGEMENT
    [Show full text]
  • CHEM Trust and the European Environmental Bureau Has Called
    To: Members of the REACH Committee Brussels, 6 July 2018 Dear Sir/Madam, We are writing to you regarding the REACH Committee Meeting that will take place next week (11-12 July). At this meeting crucial (preliminary) discussions, and potentially vote, are planned on: (1) the amendment Annex XVII of REACH as regards bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (2) the decision for (partially) granting an authorisation under the REACH Regulation to (among other uses) produce PVC articles of bis(2-ethylhexhyl) phthalate (DEHP) to Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Kędzierzyn S.A. and DEZA a.s.) The amendment Annex XVII of REACH as regards bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) We welcome the fact that the EU is now proposing to restrict these phthalates, but we are very concerned that the proposed restriction excludes the use of these chemicals in food contact materials although the majority of exposure to DEHP comes via food. In our view there is no scientific or policy justification for excluding Food Contact Materials (FCM) from this Restriction. REACH restrictions are permitted to cover FCM uses, and RAC and SEAC state1 that a restriction is needed due to the risks posed by these chemicals. It is true that the EU has a separate regulatory system for the regulation of chemicals in food contact materials, but we consider that it is more logical, administratively efficient, and likely to be more rapid if these uses are included in the REACH restriction.
    [Show full text]
  • Hazardous Substances in Plastic Materials
    TA Hazardous substances in plastic 3017 materials 2013 Prepared by COWI in cooperation with Danish Technological Institute Preface This report is developed within the project of mapping of prioritized hazardous substances in plastic materials. The report presents key information on the most used plastic types and their characteristics and uses, as well as on hazardous substances used in plastics and present on the Norwegian Priority List of hazardous substances (“Prioritetslisten”) and/or the Candidate List under REACH, by August 2012. The aim of the report is to be a brief handbook on plastic types and hazardous substances in plastics providing knowledge on the characteristics and use of different plastic materials and the function, uses, concentration, release patterns, and alternatives of the hazardous substances, allowing the user to use the report as an introduction and overview on the most important hazardous substances in plastics and the plastic types, they primarily are used in. The development of the report has been supervised by a steering committee consisting of: Inger-Grethe England, Klima- og Forurensningsdirektoratet (chairman) Pia Linda Sørensen, Klima- og Forurensningsdirektoratet Erik Hansen, COWI, Denmark Nils H. Nilsson, Danish Technological Institute The report has been prepared by Erik Hansen, COWI-Denmark, Nils H. Nilsson, Danish Technological Institute, Delilah Lithner, COWI-Sweden and Carsten Lassen COWI- Denmark. Vejle, Denmark, 15. January 2013 Erik Hansen, COWI (project manager) 1 Content English Summary and
    [Show full text]