June 2016 Business from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The California Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued a Safe Use Determination under Prop 65 for diisononyl phthalate (DINP) exposures to building residents and occupants from vinyl flooring products containing 18.9% DINP by weight or less. This means that vinyl flooring manufacturers who sell flooring products in California, do not have to put consumer warning labels on their products that contain DINP at or below the safe harbor levels determined by OEHHA.

“We are pleased that OEHHA has reviewed exposure levels of DINP in virgin and recycled vinyl flooring and found that the qualifying products do not require a Prop 65 warning for building residents and occupants,” said Dean Thompson, president of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RCFI). “OEHHA’s decision confirms that the presence of DINP in vinyl flooring not exceeding the 18.9% threshold is safe and appropriate for consumers. DINP is a thoroughly studied compound that enhances the flexibility, resiliency, and long-lasting performance of vinyl flooring.”

Vinyl Flooring Meets Safe Harbor Level

DINP is used as a plasticizer in many products to make them flexible, including some vinyl floors.

OEHHA’s June 21 finding is based on the agency’s determination that exposure of building residents and occupants to DINP from these vinyl flooring products does not exceed the DINP “safe harbor level” for protecting health. Thus, a Prop 65 consumer warning for the qualifying products is not required.

RFCI had asked OEHHA in November 2014 to evaluate exposure to DINP in vinyl flooring and to issue a Safe Use Declaration after the chemical was added to the state’s Prop 65 list in December 2013.