The EU Risk Assessment procedure

Under the EU Risk Assessment Procedure (Council Regulation (EEC) 793193 of 23 March 1993) various chemicals and substances in everyday use have been scrutinised and scientifically evaluated on a regular basis by the European Commission (CEC) in consultation with EU member states.

It is a well-defined and rigorous procedure during which scientific data and research from a wide range of sources is evaluated by national scientific institutes and qualified bodies.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was among five phthalates, commonly used as plasticisers in PVC, which have undergone an EU assessment to determine whether they pose any risk to human health or the environment.

These rigorous EU risk assessments, which include a high degree of conservatism and built-in safety factors, have been carried out under the strict supervision of the European Commission and provide a clear scientific evaluation on which to judge whether or not a particular substance can be safely used.