Name
CAS number
EINECS number
What is DEHP?
Di (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Also known as Di‐octyl phthalate (DOP)
117‐81‐7
204‐211‐0
DEHP is a substance that is used as a plasticiser to make PVC plastic
soft and flexible. It is a colourless and odourless organic chemical.
DEHP is used in a wide range of soft PVC products ranging from
lifesaving medical devices such as medical tubing and blood bags, to
footwear, electrical cables, packaging, tarpaulins for lorries, flooring,
stationery and roofing.
Plasticisers are essential to make PVC flexible. PVC is rigid by nature
but plasticisers give it similar properties to rubber: it becomes
flexible and expandable, whilst retaining its shape.
There are many different plasticisers available but a manufacturer of
PVC will make what they believe to be the best choice for their
particular products.
DEHP is widely used because for many years it has provided
particularly good processing and end product performance which in
many cases cannot be matched by alternatives.
The use of DEHP has been carefully considered by EU scientists and it
is already well regulated by European legislation relating to toys and
childcare articles, cosmetics, food contact materials and medical
devices.
Indeed, DEHP has been used for more than 50 years without a single
known case of anyone having been harmed as a result.
DEHP is not classified as a human carcinogen or mutagen and it does
not accumulate in humans or in the environment
Substances are placed on the Candidate List for authorisation based
on their potential to cause harm (their hazard) rather than on any
actual risk they may pose. In the case of DEHP, it has been put on the
candidate list due to reproductive effects that have been seen during
tests on rodents. However, as these effects are only seen at levels
much higher than humans are usually exposed to, there is no danger
from its use in most everyday PVC products.
The DEHP Information Centre: www.dehp‐facts.com
Where is it used?
Why is it used?
Is it safe?
Why is DEHP on the
REACH Candidate
List?
Where can I find
more information?
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