EPA Deems Plastics Chemical BBP Risky for Workers, Environment

Butyl benzyl phthalate, a chemical used to make plastics, poses an unreasonable risk of harm to workers and the environment under certain conditions of use, the EPA said in a draft risk evaluation released Friday.

The Environmental Protection Agency released a risk evaluation for BBP shortly after reaching a similar conclusion for di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), both used to make adhesives and sealants. BBP also is used to produce floor coverings, paints, and coatings as well as in plastic and rubber products.

The EPA says it didn’t determine that BBP poses an unreasonable risk to consumers or the general population. The ...