EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Risk Evaluation for Plasticizer DINP
EPA announced on Aug. 30 that it is seeking public comment on its draft risk evaluation for diisononyl phthalate (DINP). According to the agency’s press release, DINP is primarily used as a plasticizer to manufacture flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). EPA’s draft risk evaluation explains that the agency has preliminarily determined that two industrial uses and one consumer use of DINP contribute to “unreasonable risk.” DINP may cause developmental toxicity, including effects to the developing male reproductive system known as “phthalate syndrome,” as well as liver damage and cancer at higher levels of exposure. EPA has preliminarily determined that DINP does not cause unreasonable risk to the general population or the environment.
In addition to its use in PVC manufacturing, DINP may also be used to make building and construction materials, automotive and fuel products, and commercial and consumer products such as adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, and electrical and electronic products. Other uses of DINP in personal care products, cosmetics, and food contact materials are not covered by the Toxic Substances Control Act and therefore were not evaluated by EPA.
The two industrial uses that EPA preliminarily determined to contribute to unreasonable risk were use of spray adhesives and sealants or paints and coatings containing DINP applied with high-pressure sprayers by unprotected workers. “Using these sprayers could create high concentrations of DINP in mist that an unprotected worker could inhale,” EPA stated. The agency could not determine whether any products containing DINP are applied with high-pressure sprayers and hopes public comments on the draft risk evaluation will help resolve this uncertainty.
The consumer use of DINP that EPA preliminarily determined to contribute to unreasonable risk was in floor coverings or building and construction materials that cover “large surface areas,” such as vinyl flooring, in-place wallpaper, and carpet backing.
The public comment period on the draft risk evaluation opened on Sept. 3, when EPA’s notice was published in the Federal Register. The notice provides important dates, supplementary information, and instructions for submitting comments. Docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2024-0073 on Regulations.gov provides access to important supporting documents. All public comments must be received by Nov. 4.
EPA will also host a public webinar to discuss the risk evaluation at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 26. The agency’s press release provides details on how to register for and participate in the webinar.
More information on the risk evaluation on DINP is available on EPA’s website.