In January 2019, ANSES published an assessment report highlighting the health risks for babies linked to the presence of chemicals in single-use baby diapers. In its expert appraisal, the Agency identified several substances of concern and in particular recommended strengthening regulatory measures in order to secure the manufacture of diapers.
Following its analysis, the Agency concluded that a REACH restriction was the most appropriate regulatory measure to reduce these risks (analyse RMOA, Regulatory Management Option analysis, août 2019 (PDF)). In September 2019, France notified ECHA (European Chemical Substances Agency) of its intention to prepare a restriction dossier according to REACH regulation n°1907/2006. Thus, ANSES is developing this proposal for submission in October 2020. It aims to limit the presence of hazardous substances, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, furans and formaldehyde in diapers in order to better protect the health of babies.
As part of this ongoing work, ANSES is calling for comments and evidence. This is an important step which aims to collect a certain amount of information, in particular: on the use of chemical substances identified as being of concern in single-use baby diapers, exposure data, information on possible substitutes and socio-economic data. This information is essential to carry out the scientific assessment in support of the restriction proposal dossier.