Textile Industry Applications

Phthalates are a class of compounds used most commonly as a softener for plastic and have diverse uses in modern commerce. One of their primary uses is as a plasticiser in flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. Phthalates are very often found in plastisol prints on garments, PVC based materials used for coating, outsoles in shoes and many PVC-based apparel and shoe accessories. Phthalates are also used as fixatives, detergents, lubricating oils and solvents. As a result of these diverse uses, phthalates may be found in many consumer products, including textiles and footwear, creating the potential for human exposure.

Hazards

Classed as endocrine disruptors and exhibiting bioaccumulative properties, phthalates are purported to alter the estrogen level in human hormonal systems, resulting in serious health problems such as cancers and reproductive and developmental impairments. Currently, in the EU, 6 phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP) are regulated. In the US, while the scope of the substances subject to regulation at the federal level mirrors that of the EU, a “seventh phthalate” (DnHP) is regulated regionally in the State of California under Proposition 65.

Under EU Directive 67/548/EEC, DEHP, DBP and BBP have been identified as toxic to reproduction category 2. With the change in the hazard classification and labelling system under the CLP (Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures), this hazard classification will transition to reproductive toxin category 1B in line with the terminology of the Globally Harmonised System for classification and labelling.

While scientific information regarding DINP, DIDP and DNOP is either lacking or conflicting, these substances are regulated in a precautionary approach to avoid any risk if used in children's toys and childcare articles.

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