Plasticizer found in children’s urine
The State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection NRW (LANUV NRW) reported in a press release on 31.01.24 that a substance banned in the EU under the REACH Regulation had been detected in children's urine. The Federal Environment Agency also reacted to this and published a press release.
According to the press release, an increase in mono-n-hexyl phthalate (MnHexP) was observed in children's urine samples. The tests are part of a long-term biomonitoring project. MnHexP is a degradation product of di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHXP), a plasticizer that is already part of our multi-method for plasticizers.
Ban in the EU
DHXP is classified as a "Substance of very high concern" (SVHC) under the European Chemicals Regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) due to its reproductive toxicity. Due to its inclusion in Annex XIC of the REACH Regulation, DHXP may no longer be used within the EU without authorization since 2023. Its use in cosmetic products, food contact materials and children's toys is not permitted. According to the REACH Regulation, all substances or mixtures of substances with a production volume >1 ton must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
No applications for authorization have been submitted for MnHexP in the EU. The substance has therefore not played a major economic role in the EU. Other possible sources are imported products and contaminated sites from materials containing DHXP. In general, plasticizers can be absorbed into the human body through food or everyday objects.
The Federal Environment Agency points out that mere detection in the body does not necessarily indicate a health risk. From a toxicological point of view, no Health Based Guidance Values such as a Tolerable Daily Intake or similar have yet been derived for risk assessment.
Our Tentamus laboratories can help
The Tentamus Group laboratories are committed to responding to the latest challenges to ensure food safety. We have expanded our plasticizer screening for food and cosmetics to include the substance MnHexP and support you in identifying potential sources of contamination.