Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), also known as di-n-butyl phthalate, is a synthetic chemical with the formula C16H22O4. It does not occur naturally. DBP is slightly soluble in water and does not evaporate easily.
What is Dibutyl Phthalate used for?
DBP is widely used as a plasticiser, helping to keep plastics flexible. It is also found in:
Elastomers
Lacquers
Explosives
Printing inks
Resin solvents
Perfume oil solvents
Paper coatings
Adhesives
Nail polish
Solid rocket propellants
Dibutyl Phthalate is widely used as a plasticiser, helping to keep plastics flexible.
Sources of Emission & Exposure
Sources of Emission
Industry Sources: DBP is released during its manufacture and use in the chemical, plastics, machinery, plywood, and millwork industries. Emissions primarily enter the air, with smaller amounts reaching water and land.
Diffuse Sources: Household and commercial use of paints, varnishes, plastic parts, and carpet backing may release DBP.
Natural Sources: Some soils may contain DBP due to microbial biosynthesis.
Transport Sources: Not expected.
Consumer Products: Found in colognes, perfumes, cosmetics, paints, plastic products, floor polish, window cleaners, adhesives, safety glass, vinyl floors, hairspray, and nail polish.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation & Skin Contact: People may breathe in DBP or absorb it through the skin when using products like nail polish.
Ingestion: DBP may be present in food, especially fish, shellfish, or items packaged in DBP-containing materials.
Workplace & Environmental Exposure: Higher exposure levels can occur near factories producing or using DBP or in areas near hazardous waste sites.
Health Effects
Acute Effects
No known acute inhalation or oral effects in humans.
Animal studies show minimal liver effects and slight kidney weight reduction.
Moderate toxicity from inhalation and low toxicity from oral exposure in rats and mice.
Chronic Effects
No human data on chronic inhalation or oral exposure.
Animal studies suggest reduced body weight gain, increased lung and brain weight relative to body weight, and liver effects.
The EPA has not set a Reference Concentration (RfC) for DBP.
The Reference Dose (RfD) is 0.1 mg/kg/day based on increased mortality in rats.
Reproductive & Developmental Effects
No human data available.
Animal studies indicate developmental issues, such as reduced foetal weight and birth defects.
Reproductive effects include decreased sperm production and reduced testes weight.
No human or animal data available on DBP’s carcinogenic effects.
The EPA classifies DBP as Group D: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with warm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Apply an emollient if irritation occurs. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Provide artificial respiration or oxygen if needed. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Seek medical attention immediately.
Exposure Control & Personal Protection
Exposure Controls
Use exhaust ventilation or engineering controls to keep airborne DBP levels low.
Ensure access to eyewash stations and safety showers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The following personal protective equipment is recommended when handling dibutyl phthalate:
Splash goggles;
Lab coat;
Vapour respirator (be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent);
Gloves Personal
Protection in Case of a Large Spill:
Splash goggles;
Full suit;
Vapour respirator;
Boots;
Gloves;
A self-contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product.
Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist before handling this product.
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for dibutyl phthalate of 5mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health has established a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for dibutyl phthalate of 5mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour work-shift
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for dibutyl phthalate of 5mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour work-shift
EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that levels of di-n-butyl phthalate in lakes and streams should be limited to 34 parts of di-n-butyl phthalate per million parts of water (34 ppm) to prevent possible human health effects from drinking water or eating fish contaminated with this chemical.
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has established a Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration for dibutyl phthalate of 0.005 grams per cubic metre of air over an eight-hour work-shift.
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