CONSUMER PRODUCTS

NO. 134/15

A number of Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlements have been reached for lead, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, a plastic softener) and tris (1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP, a flame retardant). Reformulations involving releasable lead using NIOSH 9100 are increasingly accepted as part of the settlement.

Over the years, consumer products containing lead, phthalates and flame retardants have been consistently targeted [1]. Lead has been on the Prop 65 list of chemicals since February 1987 as a chemical known to cause reproductive toxicity in males and females. Lead and its compounds have also been listed as a chemical known to cause cancer since October 1992. The health risks associated with DEHP and TDCPP also include cancer.

Table 1 [2]

Item

Chemical

Date listed (type of toxicity)

1

DEHP

  • January 1, 1998 (cancer)
  • ŸOctober 24, 2003 (developmental; male)

2

Lead

February 27, 1987 [developmental; male and female (basis for listing changed effective November 22, 2013)]

3

Lead and lead compounds

October 1, 1992 (cancer)

4

TDCPP

October 28, 2011(cancer)

Since the beginning of 2015, a number of Prop 65 settlements have been reached for DEHP and lead, as well as TDCPP. It is interesting to note that the parties in Entry 2 of Table 2 agreed to reformulate their vinyl / PVC cords to two specifications for lead; one for total lead and the other for releasable lead.

Highlights of these settlements are summarised in Table 2.

table 2

Entry

Chemical

Scope

Reformulation

1

DEHP

Lead

  • ŸAmplifier hook-ups or wiring kits
  • Tweeters

≤ 0.1% DEHP (amplifier hook-ups or wiring kits)

≤ 100 ppm lead (tweeters)

2

DEHP

Lead

Glue guns with vinyl / PVC cords

≤ 1000 ppm DEHP

3

TDCPP

Upholstered furniture including ottomans with foam padding

≤ 25 ppm

Prop 65 [3] is the 'Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986', a ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly by California residents in 1986. Since its enactment, there have been numerous lawsuits which resulted in the reduction of carcinogenic and reproductive chemicals by reformulations of consumer products containing such chemicals.

Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS can offer comprehensive testing, product assessments and consultancy services related to California Proposition 65 to assist your risk management in your supply chain for consumer goods such as DIYs, electrical and electronics, hardgoods products, juvenile products, and textile & toy products. For further information, pleasevisit our website.

For enquiries, please contact:

Hing Wo Tsang
Global Toys and Juvenile Products
t: +852 2774 7420

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