Exploratory Report Phthalates

Abstract

This report contains general information on phthalate esters concerning the existing standards, emissions, exposure levels and effect levels. It serves as a basis for the discussion during the exploratory meeting to be held in Summer 1990, aimed at determining the contents of the integrated criteria document Phthalates. In spite of the large quantities of phthalates produced and finally ending in landfills, data on emissions, occurrence and effects are not available or insufficient. The present information does not allow an adequate risk assessment but indicates that the threat phthalates pose to man and ecosystems is limited in general. Locally, however, in the vicinity of point sources, the exposure concentrations may exceed the maximum acceptable risk levels. It is proposed to fill in some gaps (emission and exposure data) before drawing the integrated criteria document on this group of compounds.<br>