Four phthalates – DEHP, DIBP, DBP and BBP – toxic chemicals used as plasticisers in various products, have been added to the list of substances of very high concern under the REACH regulation (1907/2006/EC) on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals because of their endocrine disrupting properties in humans. This development was described as “historic” on Friday 17 February by the NGO Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL).
The decision came after a...