August 23, 2013
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has approved a Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) of 1,200 micrograms per day for oral exposures of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). BBP is listed under Proposition 65 as known to cause reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint). It was also identified as a Substance of Very High Concern for being toxic for reproduction (article 57c) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in 2008.
The Office of Administrative Law approved the amendment to Title 27, California Code of Regulations, Section 25805(b) on June 25, 2013, and the amendment was filed with the Secretary of State on the same day. It will become effective October 1, 2013. California issued its notice of adoption of the amendment on July 1, 2013 under OEHHA.
BBP is commonly used as a plasticizer for vinyl foams, which are often used as floor tiles. It is also used in traffic cones, food conveyor belts, and artificial leather.