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Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Description: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, (C.A.S. 117-81-7) also commonly called bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is a colorless, oily liquid with a slight odor. Patented in 1933, it is primarily used as one of several plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins for fabricating flexible vinyl products. These PVC resins have been used to manufacture teething rings, pacifiers, soft squeeze toys, balls, shower curtains, raincoats, adhesives, polymeric coatings, components of paper and paperboard, defoaming agents, enclosures for food containers, animal glue, surface lubricants, flexible devices for administering parenteral solutions, and other products that must stay flexible and uninjurious for their lifetime. It is also used to manufacture vinyl gloves used for medical examinations and surgery. As a non-plasticizer, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is used as a replacement for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in dielectric fluids for electric capacitors. It is also used as a solvent in erasable ink, an acaricide for use in orchards, an inert ingredient in pesticides, a component of cosmetic products, and a vacuum pump oil; it is used to detect leaks in respirators and to test air filtration systems. Chemical properties: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is insoluble in water, miscible with mineral oil and hexane, and soluble in most organic solvents. It is easily dissolved in body fluids such as saliva and plasma. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is a combustible liquid; it may burn, but does not readily ignite. It produces poisonous gas in a fire. When heated to decomposition, it emits acrid smoke. Synonyms for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)-1,2-benzenedicarboxylate, di(2-ethylhexyl)ortho-phthalate, di-sec-octyl phthalate, 2-ethylhexyl phthalate, NCI-c52733, disec-octyl phthalate, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, DOP, DEHP, and octoil. Identification: Health effects: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is a substance which may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen, according to the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is classified as a carcinogen in EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). It is also a teratogen and may damage the testes. Repeated exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate may affect the kidneys and liver, and may cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact; it may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Exposure Values: Economics: U.S. manufacturers of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are Aristech Chemical Corporation, Hq, Neville Island, PA; Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, TN; and Velsicol Chemical Corporation, Chestertown, MD. Regulation: EPA regulates di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate under the Clean Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act; and Toxic Substances Control Act. EPA classifies the chemical as an air toxic listed on the Hazardous Air Pollutant List, a volatile organic compound, and a water priority pollutant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate as an indirect food additive. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established a permissible exposure limit for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate of 5 mg/m3 as an eight-hour time-weighted average, and has set a short-term exposure limit of 10 mg/m3 for the chemical. OSHA also regulates di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate under the Hazard Communication Standard and as a chemical hazard in laboratories. Under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, releases of more than one pound of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate into the air, water, and land must be reported annually and entered into the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). National Overview of 1998 Toxics Release Inventory See EPA's Toxic Release Inventory. Notations: The NIOSH recommended exposure limits (RELs) are time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations for up to a 10-hour workday during a 40-hour workweek. A short-term exposure limit (STEL) is designated by "ST" preceding the value; unless noted otherwise, the STEL is a 15-minute TWA exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday. A ceiling REL is designated by "C" preceding the value. Any substance that NIOSH considers to be a potential occupational carcinogen is designated by the notation "Ca." The OSHA permissible exposure limits (PEL) are found in Tables Z-1, Z-2, and Z-3 of the OSHA General Industry Air Contaminants Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000). Unless noted otherwise, PEL are TWA concentrations that must not be exceeded during any 8-hour workshift of a 40-hour workweek. A STEL is designated by "ST" preceding the value and is measured over a 15-minute period unless noted otherwise. OSHA ceiling concentrations (designated by "C" preceding the value) must not be exceeded during any part of the workday; if instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, the ceiling must be assessed as a 15-minute TWA exposure. In addition, there are a number of substances from Table Z-2 (e.g., beryllium, ethylene dibromide, etc.) that have PEL ceiling values that must not be exceeded except for specified excursions. For example, a "5-minute maximum peak in any 2 hours" means that a 5-minute exposure above the ceiling value, but never above the maximum peak, is allowed in any 2 hours during an 8-hour workday. Information Sources:
Originally published in Environment Writer by the National Safety Council. Reprinted with permission. Environment Writer Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography Office of Marine Programs Narragansett, RI 02882 Tel: 401-874-6211; Fax: 401-874-6485 Disclaimer * Copyright 2002-2006 * All rights reserved. * University of Rhode Island |