Understanding the Health and Environmental Risks of DBP and DEHP
EPA is seeking comments from the public on draft risk evaluations released in June 2025 under TCSA for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). These phthalate compounds are primarily used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as in adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and other applications.
EPA has preliminarily determined that DBP represents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health for workers, consumers, and the environment. DBP is regarded as an endocrine disruptor, is listed on the EPA’s Priority Pollutant List and California’s Prop 65 list, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has considered DBP exposures in children’s products, personal care products, diet, and consumer products. EPA identified a non-cancer risk to the male reproductive system, and has concluded that DBP is a potential carcinogen for humans.
EPA believes DEHP also presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health and the environment, and has concluded that the chemical can cause developmental and reproductive toxicity in males. Like DBP, DEHP is also an EPA Priority Pollutant and is listed on California’s Prop 65 list.
Comments are due to EPA by August 4, 2025, after which EPA will evaluate the comments and issue a final risk evaluation for DBP and DEHP.
Materials Analytical Services, LLC can test your products via chemical analysis for the presence of these and other phthalates. Please contact us through our website www.mastest.com for more information.
Resources
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