No. Phthalates are not classified as human carcinogens by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and there is no evidence to suggest that phthalates can cause cancer in human beings. Since 1980 a large number of investigations have shown that feeding high levels (many thousand times greater than foreseeable exposure) of phthalates and other chemicals to rodents over their lifetime causes a large increase in microbodies in the liver called peroxisomes. This 'peroxisome proliferation' leads to the formation of liver tumours. However, when these chemicals are given to non-rodent species such as marmosets and monkeys (primates considered to be metabolically closer to humans), such peroxisome proliferation and liver damage is not seen.
It is now generally accepted that phthalates are one of a number of substances which can cause liver tumours in rodents by a mechanism which does not occur in humans.
On the basis of these differences in species response, it was concluded some years ago that phthalates do not pose a significant health hazard to people. This scientific view was adopted by a European Commission decision of 25 July 1990 which states that DEHP shall not be classified or labelled as a carcinogenic or irritant substance. The correctness of this decision has recently been reaffirmed by two comprehensive reviews
In February 2000, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - which is part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) - re-classified the phthalate plasticiser DEHP as "not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans." Some years earlier it had been classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" based on rodent students.
Further information and references may be found at www.phthalates.com
