The term “phthalates” includes a set of several chemicals derivative of phthalic acid. These chemicals are frequently used as plasticizers for plastic materials, such as PVC for instance.
Phthalates are extremely present in our environment, but at different levels. They are mainly contained in cosmetic products, paint, garments, as well as in toys.
Some phthalates are hazardous for human health, because they are known to have endocrine disruptor effects. Hence, ECHA (European Chemical Agency) has already placed some phthalates as toxic for human reproduction and category 1B CMR.
Several measures have already been taken at European level to restrain, and prohibit the use of some concerning phthalates in medical devices, food contact materials, and cosmetic products.
Maine is proposing a new regulation regarding phthalates in cosmetic products
The State of Maine, in the United-States, has decided to move forward in its regulatory activity regarding chemical products and human safety, as it has proposed a new regulation framing the sale of products containing phthalates within the State.
Originally, some chemicals have had a specific status:
- Bisphenol A,
- Nonylphenol,
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates,
- Cadmium,
- Mercury,
- Arsenic.
The presence of one of these chemicals in a product leads to the prohibition of sales of the product in the State of Maine, as it is the case for Bisphenol A.
Others, however, are not banned but must be reported to the Department of Environmental Protection to which the manufacturer of the product is required to pay a fee. Maine wants to add phthalates to the aforementioned list of chemicals with a specific status. The proposed legislation is intended to every product containing phthalates.
This regulation on phthalate, if adopted, will affect product manufacturers and distributors through a fiscal burden imposed on all products containing “intentionally added amounts” of phthalate. This financial burden will be due to compliance with the regulation, and is thought to deter companies from formulating products containing phthalates.
To date, some cosmetic and personal care companies have decided to change their formulations, others even have committed to sell only “phthalate-free” products. The pressure of civil societies, lobbies and association, has also played its part on these companies’ decision.
Want to know more?
Please, feel free to contact our cosmetic experts for more information. By e-mail: contact@ecomundo.eu or by telephone +33 (0)1 83 64 20 54
