The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) and department of health (health) want your input on the draft phthalates action plan.

Ecology and health, with input from a broad group of stakeholders, have developed a draft action plan to address phthalates, a hormone-disrupting chemical group. This draft action plan provides recommendations to reduce the use, release, and exposure of phthalates to people and the environment.

Ecology invites you to review the draft action plan and provide written comments from May 1 to June 14, 2023. Ecology will host two informational public workshops on the draft action plan.

Viewing the draft action plan: Starting on May 1, 2023, the draft action plan will be available for review on the following web page https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-toxic-chemicals/Addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/Phthalates.

Submitting written comments: Ecology will accept online comments on the draft action plan from May 1 to June 14, 2023. Comments must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on June 14, 2023.

To submit a comment online, fill out the online comment form https://hwtr.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=haD3V.

Public workshops: Ecology will host two virtual public workshops on the draft action plan. During the workshops, ecology staff will provide a brief background on phthalates, explain the draft recommendations, and answer questions. We ask that you submit formal comments using the online comment form.

Public workshop #1: Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. PDT. Join through the link https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/86093626837, Meeting ID 860 9362 6837; or join by calling +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma).

Public workshop #2: Thursday, May 18, 2023, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. PDT . Join through the link https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/86939196846, Meeting ID 869 3919 6846; or join by calling +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma).

Project background: Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are used to make many consumer products. They are used to add flexibility to plastics and extend the life of scents in fragrances. They do not form strong bonds with the materials they are in, which means they easily escape from products into our homes and the environment.

We are developing this action plan because phthalates are endocrine disruptors and can impact hormone systems in humans. Endocrine disruptors can affect reproduction and development, especially in children and people of childbearing age. For more background information on phthalates, please visit our web page https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-toxic-chemicals/Addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/Phthalates.

Ecology contact: If you have any questions, please contact Chemical Action Team, Washington State Department of Ecology, email ChemActionPlans@ecy.wa.gov.