Science - sperm © Sashkin - Fotolia.comEcha’s Risk Assessment Committee (Rac) has rejected Denmark’s proposal to classify the plasticiser diisononyl phthalate (DINP) as a category 1B reproductive toxicant. Instead, Rac agreed on “no classification” for the reproductive hazard endpoint.

The news will be a relief to industry, which had strongly disagreed with Denmark’s harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) proposal during the public consultation.

Denmark’s CLP dossier suggests that DINP has a similar mode of action to some other pthalates already classified as category 1B reproductive toxicants, including DEHP, DBP and DIBP.

DINP is added to PVC to make it flexible, as well as having other polymer applications. The chemical has largely replaced smaller molecules such as DEHP. Higher molecular weight plasticisers, including DINP, account for around 60% of the market in Europe, according to trade body European Plasticisers.

DINP is already restricted under REACH in toys and childcare articles that children may put in their mouths.

During its meeting from 27 February until 9 March, Rac gave the dossier submitter and industry an opportunity to address rapporteurs directly.

https://chemicalwatch.com/64951/echas-rac-decides-on-no-classification-for-dinp