Phthalates Phthalates testing

What are Phthalates ( Phthalates )

Phthalates (phthalates) are a group of chemical compounds that are mainly used in polyvinyl chloride materials to change polyvinyl chloride from hard plastic to elastic plastic and act as plasticizers.

Phthalates The dangers of phthalates

Research by the German government shows that phthalates , a chemical that is harmful to health, are present in many cosmetics, toys, and food packaging .

Research suggests that a global decline in men's sperm counts over the past few decades may be linked to phthalates, chemicals widely used as softeners in light industry.

This substance is widely found in cosmetics, children's toys, and food packaging. If its content exceeds the standard, it will cause great harm to human health.

Studies have shown that phthalates play a role similar to estrogen in humans and animals, and can interfere with endocrine, reduce men's semen volume and sperm count, reduce sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, and in severe cases can lead to testicular cancer . , is the "culprit" causing male reproductive problems.

In cosmetics, nail polish contains the highest phthalate content, and many cosmetics' aromatic ingredients also contain this substance. This substance in cosmetics will enter the body through women's respiratory system and skin. If used excessively, it will increase the chance of women suffering from breast cancer and will also harm the reproductive system of their future male babies.

What materials do Phthalates commonly exist with?

Phthalates are a class of chemicals that have a softening effect. It is widely used in toys, food packaging materials, various plastic materials, detergents, lubricants, personal care products, etc. In addition, this substance also covers a wide range of material fields.

Phthalate testing requirements

In recent years, the number of restricted types of phthalates ( Phthalates ) has been increasing, from the early 3P ( DEHP , DBP , BBP ) to the later  6P ( DEHP , DBP , BBP , DIDP , DNOP , DINP) , now some areas have put forward 8P requirements (that is, 6P + DMP and DHP ), and some customers will also put forward more requirements of their own. While the requirements for testing types are increasing, the content limit requirements are also becoming more and more stringent.

Nowadays, there are more and more restrictions on phthalate salts around the world. Here are some common regulatory requirements:

EU 2005/84/EC : Starting from January 16 , 2007 , the EU began to implement the new directive 2005/84/EC . The requirements are as follows:

All toys and child care products: The content of DEHP , DBP and BBP shall not exceed 0.1% .

All toys and childcare items that can be placed in children's mouths: The content of DINP , DIDP and DNOP shall not exceed 0.1% .

In Denmark, in addition to the above-mentioned content requirements stipulated by the European Union, the content of any phthalate in toys and childcare items used by children under three years old must not exceed 0.05 % .

In Finland and Italy, each of the six phthalates is < 0.05% .

United States CPSIA (HR4040) : CPSIA (HR4040) is the United States Consumer Product Improvement Act. The bill requires the prohibition of three phthalates with a concentration exceeding 0.1% in "children's toys" or "child care products": DEHP+DBP+BBP . For child care products or toys that can be put into the mouth, brought to the mouth or kept in the mouth for sucking or chewing, the content of each of the three phthalates: DINP + DIDP + DnOP cannot exceed 0.1% .

California's AB1108 "Children's Products: Phthalates (Esters)": On October 14 , 2007 , the Governor of California approved the AB1108 "Children's Products: Phthalates (Esters)". Effective from January 1 , 2009 .

Three phthalates in any toy or child care product: DEHP+DBP+BBP each content cannot exceed 0.1% ; any child care product intended for children under three years old that can be put into children’s mouths three phthalates Diformate: Each content of DINP+DIDP+DnOP cannot exceed 0.1% .

California 65 regulations: Six phthalates ( DBP, BBP, DEHP, DIDP, DnHP, DINP ) are included in the California 65 restricted substances list, with a limit of no more than 0.1% for each item .

International Oeko-Tex Standard 100  "General and Special Technical Requirements for Ecological Textiles": Each content of DEHP+DBP+BBP+DINP+DIDP+DNOP+DIBP in Class I products of soft plastic materials in textiles  cannot exceed 0.1% ; The content of each  DEHP+DBP+BBP+DIBP in Class II, III, and IV products cannot exceed 0.1% .

China GB24613 "Limited Standard for Hazardous Substances in Coatings for Toys"  :  The total of DEHP+DBP+BBP cannot exceed 0.1% , and the total of DINP+DIDP+DNOP cannot exceed 0.1% .

China GB/T18885-2020 "Technical Requirements for Ecological Textiles"  :  The content of each of the 21 phthalates in infant products, direct skin contact products and indirect skin contact products cannot exceed 0.1% , and the content of 20 kinds of phthalates in decorations cannot exceed 0.1%. The content of each diformate ester cannot exceed 0.1% .

Common testing standards for phthalates:

EN 14372 Safety requirements and test methods for children's products ( European standard ) .

EN 15777 Textiles . Test methods for phthalates ( European Standard ) .

CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3 Standard Operating Procedure for Phthalate Testing ( US Standard ) .

Health Canada Method C34 Determination of Phthalates in Polyvinyl Chloride Products ( Canadian Standard ) .

GB/T 22048 Determination of phthalate plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride plastics in toys and children's products ( Chinese standard ) .

The 41 commonly measured phthalates are as follows: