Published: 07 October 2024  (Updated: 14 October 2024)

IMPORTANT: UV Filter DHHB – Call for Interest

Levels of phthalate MnHexP were found in urine samples of people (including kindergarden children) in a German biomonitoring study. The source of the exposure is unclear. It could stem from exposure to DnHexP (CAS 84-75-3) which is forbidden for use in cosmetics (Annex II/1559) – Repro 1B.  The scenario concerning for cosmetic regulators is that this could be a trace from DHHB (CAS 302776-68-7) which is a UV Filter (Annex VI/28) in sunscreens.

This issue caused quite some media activity in Germany, however the German authorities (BfR and UBA) concluded that adverse effects are unlikely, due to low levels of MnHexP – compared to tolerable daily intake (TDI) and health-based assessment value (HBM).

The issue was brought by Germany to the Commission and brought to the attention of other Member States. DG GROW is  now planning to mandate the SCCS asking if there are specific concerns and a potential risk for human health from the current use of DHHB as a UV-filter in cosmetic products, and to identify the minimum safe level of DnHexP as a technically unavoidable contaminant in DHHB preparations.

The last SCCS opinion of DHHB was in 2008. New data might have been generated after all these years and there might be a need to bring the dossier up to the latest standards and complete it with information specific to this new issue.

You can find more info on some articles here:

German authorities conclude exposure to mystery phthalate MnHexP is not health concern (enhesa.com)

Germany Finds Increasing Levels of Long-Banned Substance in Humans, Including Children ━ The European Conservative

Unexpected SVHC phthalate metabolite found in humans, including children – Food Packaging Forum

Companies who are interested in contributing to a potential defence work for this ingredient, please contact CTPA at [email protected] by 16 October 2024.

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