Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

DEHP, Di-(2etylhexyl)-ftalat

 Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) belongs to a group of chemicals called phthalates (plasticizers). DEHP is a colourless, almost odour-free liquid with low solubility.¹

Uses

Phtalates are primarily used as plasticizers in plastics and rubber and the end product can contain as much as 40 % of these substances. Phtalates are persent in products used for floor covering, wall paper, cables, foil and coated fabrics. They may also be used as plasticizer for binders in paints and adhesives. Phtalates are common in consumer-available products such as shoe insoles, plastic hoses sand some textiles.²

DEHP is mainly used as plasticizer in poly vinyl chloride (PVC). It is also used as a solvent, a component in paint, lacquer and cosmetics, as raw material in plastics and rubber production as well as sealants.³ Nowadays, the use of DEHP is regulated and European industry have largely substituted the chemical with other plasticizing substances. Older soft plastic products and those manufactured outside of the EU may contain phthalates that are currently regulated within the EU.⁴

Sources and transportation pathways

There are no natural sources of DEHP in the environment. As DEHP and other phthalates are not firmly bound to the PVC polymer, they may leak throughout the lifetime of the product. These diffuse emissions are an important source of phthalates and the reason why phthalates can be found almost everywhere in the environment.⁵, ⁶ Emissions from wastewater treatment plants is a source of DEHP to water. In water, DEHP binds to particles and sediments. The substance is not mobile in soil. In air, DEHP is present both bound to particles and in gas phase.⁷, ⁸

Effects on environment and health

DEHP is acutely toxic to aquatic organisms and may result in long-term effects.⁹

DEHP is toxic and a reproductive disruptive, meaning it may cause reduced reproduction ability and harm the unborn child. DEHP is also an endocrine disruptor that affects the hormonal systems and may cause severe harm to organisms, populations or ecosystems.¹⁰

International agreements and regulations

DEHP is regulated by the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). The presence of DEHP in products is for example regulated by the EU REACH regulation (EC 1907/2006) and the EU regulation on cosmetic products (EC 1223/2009). There is a total ban on DEHP in toys and childcare products. The UN Protocol on PRTRs and the EU E-PRTR regulation regulate how data on DEHP emissions is made available.

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¹ https://rib.msb.se/
² https://www.kemi.se/prio-start/kemikalier-i-praktiken/kemikaliegrupper/ftalater
³ https://rib.msb.se/
⁴ https://www.kemi.se/vagledning-for/konsumenter/kemiska-amnen/ftalater
⁵ https://www.kemi.se/prio-start/kemikalier-i-praktiken/kemikaliegrupper/ftalater
⁶ https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
⁷ https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
⁸ https://www.kemi.se/prio-start
⁹ https://echa.europa.eu/
¹⁰ https://www.kemi.se/prio-start