Plasticizers

[DrBillC@aol.com]

I thought that some news might add to our discussions about plasticizers.
 Two actions taken over the past week on diethyl phthalate and
di-2-ethylhexyl adipate are interesting, particularly because of the
attention directly given to endocrine issues.

The EPA states:
 "In the proposed rule, EPA preliminarily concluded that the available
 toxicological data indicates that DEP (diethylphthalate) does not cause
adverse acute human  health effects at the concentration levels that are
reasonably likely... Further, because of questions raised recently about  the
ability of phthalates to produce hormone disruption, EPA has looked  at this
issue as it relates to DEP.  While EPA is aware of limited and  preliminary
in vitro data indicating some phthalates bind/activate  estrogen receptors at
high concentrations, EPA has not located any such  information on DEP.
 Further, for those few phthalates tested in vitro,  there is no indication
that any common structural feature of these  compounds is responsible for the
observed activity.”

In similar action, EPA approved delisting di-2-ethylhexladipate from SARA 313
reporting requirements.  BNA’s Daily Environment Reporter noted: “Because of
recently raised questions about the ability of DEHA to produce hormone
disruption, EPA said, it took a hard look at that issue.  The agency said it
was aware of limited and preliminary in vitro data indicating that DEHA
reduced the binding of natural estrogen in rainbow trout.  However, the
agency concluded that these results were obtained only at high concentrations
and indicated that DEHA's potential binding activity is very weak."

There will undoubtedly be more research, but I present this as backup
material related to my recent posting.

Bill Carroll
Chlorine Chemistry Council