Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)

Abstract

Hazard Summary Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It exhibits low toxicity from acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures. Acute exposure to large oral doses of DEHP can cause gastrointestinal distress in humans. No information is available on the chronic, reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of DEHP in humans. Animal studies have reported increased lung weights and increased liver weights from chronic inhalation exposure to DEHP. Oral exposure has resulted in developmental and reproductive effects in rats and mice. A study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) showed that DEHP administered orally increased the incidence of liver tumors in rats and mice. EPA has classified DEHP as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen Please Note: The main sources of information for this fact sheet are EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) (3), which contains information on oral chronic toxicity and the Reference Dose (RfD), and the carcinogenic effects of DEHP including the unit cancer risk for oral exposure, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's (ATSDR's)Toxicological Profile for Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. (1) Uses The major use of DEHP is in the production of PVC and vinyl chloride resins, where it is added to plastics to make them flexible. (1) Sources and Potential Exposure The most probable route of exposure to DEHP is through food, with an average contribution of DEHP from food of 0.25 milligrams per day (mg/d). DEHP migrates into food from plastics during processing and storage. (1) Exposure to DEHP can also occur during certain medical procedures, such as blood transfusions and kidney dialysis and use of respirators. (1) In one study, DEHP was found in drinking water, at levels ranging from 0.04 to 30 parts per billion (ppb). (1) The average ambient air concentration of DEHP is very low, with < 0.002 ppb in urban areas. DEHP levels in indoor air in a newly painted room or a room with recently installed flooring could be higher than levels in the outdoor air. (1) Occupational exposure to DEHP may occur for those workers in factories that manufacture or use the chemical. (1) Assessing Personal Exposure Breakdown products of DEHP may be measured in urine or blood to determine exposure to DEHP. However, this test only provides a measure of recent exposure to the chemical. (1) Health Hazard Information Acute Effects: No information is available on the acute effects of DEHP in humans via inhalation exposure. (1)