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Phthalates in Commodities |
Phthalates are industrial chemicals produced in large quantities. The annual production is about 4 million tons. Up to 90 percent of the production are used as plasticizers. Plasticizers make plastics soft, flexible and durable. For example, PVC may contain up to 40 percent phthalates. Further applications are as stabilizers and carrier substances.
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Today phthalates are present in numerous commodities and consumer products, such as
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- toys
- textiles
- packaging
- cosmetics
- lubricants
- nonwoven
- paint pigments
- medical products
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Phthalates are additives to the products. Therefore phthalates can migrate or dissolve out of a product into the environment. Phthalates have undergone extensive testing for possible harmful effects on human health. Studies are concerned with the influence phthalates have on human beings, for example cancer.
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| Regulations |
 The European Community enacted a ban on phthalate derivates in children's toys in 1999. The Council Directive (1999/815/EC) applies to toys and childcare articles made of soft PVC. The European Council ordered further studies focussed on the harmful effects of phthalates.
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 The Japanese government imposed a ban on PVC toys containing DINP and DEHP (phthalate derivates) in August 2003. DEHP is prohibited from being used in any toy product, DINP may not be used in any toy that might be put in the mouth by a small child.
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 In the USA, the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) listed DEHP in Proposition 65 (edition September 2003) as being potentially carcinogenic and reproductive hazards. The Cal/EPA developed a NSRL (No Significant Risk Level) for DEHP of 310 µg/day.
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Consumer protection organisations have phthalates in their focus. They enforce testing of commodities and consumer goods. A recent study in April 2004 showed large amounts of phthalates in children's wear.
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| Risk Management |
Consumers become increasingly aware of the problems of phthalates. Phthalates devalue your product quality and the purchase decision of the consumer is affected by the product quality.
Public opinion and consumer protection organisations will effect future regulations. Be well prepared for these regulations with our certified phthalate tests.
Get the confirmation that your products are tested for phthalates at GALAB Laboratories
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| Your advantages |
- Certified products
- Ensuring competitive advantage
- Preparing for future regulations
- Strengthening of your market position
- Keeping the consumers' confidence
- Maintaining the image of your brand
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| Testing procedures for phthalates |
- SOP 31 (EDANA) aggressive extraction, determines the maximum content in a sample
- SOP 52 (EDANA) artificial simulant extraction, determines the maximum migration of a sample
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| Our features for your product quality |
- DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
- International reference laboratory
- Renowned companies rely on GALAB
- Highest industry requirements are fulfilled
- 12 years of experience in analytical service
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