Denmark has banned 4 phthalates from its market (DEHP, DIBP, DBP and BBP) in all products believed to come into contact with mucous membranes or skin. This initiative was welcomed by the Environment Health Network.
The Danish Minister for the Environment, Ida Auken, is behind the ban.
The Minister declared: « We cannot wait », convinced that the protection of health requires the application of the precautionary principle without further waiting for action from the European Commission.
Yannick Vicaire, project manager at the Environment Health Network, declares: “ French parliamentarians have also, on three occasions, taken stock of the health challenges of endocrine disruptors and braved the exasperating slowness of European processes. «
» the French government must give unconditional support to the Danish initiative and the best way to do it is to finally sanction the bill on phthalates voted on May 3, 2011 by the National Assembly «
The 4 phthalates concerned by the ban are already subject to a ban in toys and childcare objects for children under 3 years old. However, nothing has yet been done for adults in France, and let’s not even talk about phthalates in the sex-toys.
However, recent scientific work has clarified the impact that phthalates can have on the reproductive system and the negative effects they can have on health: obesity, cancer, etc.
Phthalates are present in many consumer goods such as: cosmetics, medical devices, sex toys, packaging, etc.
The Environment Health Network remains optimistic, stating that: “ Phthalates are not persistent, and any precautionary measure will have immediate public health results. «
Note that the association Green Peace had already sounded the alarm about the dangerousness of phthalts.
