Tell EPA: Keep us safe from carcinogen hiding in plastic products

There's a toxic threat hidden inside some plastic products we use every day.

It's common in toys, flooring and fabric coatings -- but it could be giving us cancer.1

A category of chemicals called diisononyl phthalate, or DINP, is added to plastic by manufacturers to make their final products softer or more flexible. We've known this family of chemicals could be harmful for a long time -- the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first suggested that it could pose a health risk more than 20 years ago.2

But now, we finally have the chance to take action against these harmful chemicals.

The EPA is considering whether to require manufacturers to report their use of DINP chemicals -- which will give us the power to avoid these hidden toxic threats. Take action today to urge the EPA to implement strict reporting requirements.

The EPA's most recent hazard assessment shows that DINP chemicals could pose a serious threat to our health.

The agency reported a reasonable link between DINP chemicals and a number of serious, irreversible health effects. These substances could cause cancer, developmental effects and damage to the liver and kidneys.3

Avoiding these chemicals as much as possible is important to stay healthy, but right now, manufacturers aren't required to report how much DINP they use.

This toxic threat is flying under the radar, but the EPA could change that. If passed, manufacturers will need to report their use of DINP chemicals to the EPA if they process, manufacture or use a certain amount.4

We have the right to know when companies making products we use every day are exposing us to chemicals that could harm our health. Add your name today.

ACTION BY - U.S. PIRG

1. "Addition of Diisononyl Phthalate Category Proposed Rule," U.S Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed September 29, 2022.
2. Douglas Fischer, "EPA seeks to add DINP plasticizer to Toxics Release Inventory," Environmental Health News, August 9, 2022.
3. "Addition of Diisononyl Phthalate Category Proposed Rule," U.S Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed September 29, 2022.
4. "Addition of Diisononyl Phthalate Category Proposed Rule," U.S Environmental Protection Agency, last accessed September 29, 2022.