Health Effects from Exposure to Phthalates and Plasticizers Linked to Hormone Disruption and Reproductive Harm
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Ministry of Health monitors health effects from exposure to phthalates and plasticizers and if regulations exist for consumer goods containing these substances. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong stated that while global studies are monitored, precautionary regulations based on international standards are implemented by Enterprise Singapore for general consumer goods and childcare articles. Additionally, the Health Sciences Authority bans harmful plasticizers in cosmetic products, while the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore ensures the safety of food packaging and milk bottles. Through routine surveillance, any products or food items found with phthalate levels exceeding allowable limits are prohibited from sale to protect consumers. These coordinated regulatory efforts across multiple agencies serve to minimize public exposure to potentially harmful plasticizers.
Transcript
6 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry monitors health effects from exposure to phthalates and plasticizers that are linked to hormone disruption and reproductive harm, particularly in male infants; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider putting in place regulations for consumer goods that contain harmful plasticizers.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Phthalates are common substances added to plastics to improve their flexibility and durability. The Ministry of Health does not routinely monitor the health effects from exposure to phthalates among male infants, but we monitor global data and studies on the impact of exposure to phthalates on an ongoing basis. The findings of some studies have suggested that there is some potential for harm in humans, particularly when ingested, although the evidence is not conclusive. Nevertheless, Singapore has established regulations, based on international standards, to reduce exposure to phthalates as a precautionary measure.
Enterprise Singapore regulates the use of phthalates in general consumer goods under the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations (CGSR). The Regulations are aligned with applicable international, regional or national safety standards, and Enterprise Singapore monitors compliance through post-market surveillance. Additional regulatory requirements are imposed for toys and childcare articles in particular, including that on allowable concentrations of specified phthalates.
The Health Sciences Authority administers the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations and bans the use of plasticizers that are harmful to consumers in cosmetic products.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore administers the Food Regulations to ensure the safety of plastic food packaging, including plastic milk bottles. Through routine surveillance, any food with phthalate amounts above allowable limits would not be allowed for sale.