Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), or di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate and diisooctyl phthalate, is the most common member of the class of phthalates, colouress and soluble in oil. It is used primarily as a plasticiser used in plastic products but also as a carrier.
DEHP is most commonly used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products; upholstery, shower curtains, adhesives, pipes, and coatings but the amount can vary from 0.1% to 40%. It has also been used in food packaging, medical tubes or containers, inks, pesticides, pump oils as well as being used to carry scent in household and cosmetic products, such as air fresheners, personal hygiene products and scented home wear items.
DEHP exposure for workers who repeatedly inhale, or have skin contact with the substance can have toxic effects on the testis, fertility and kidney. Exposure can also come from the contamination of foods, and liquids, especially where foods are oily in consistence and stored in plastic containing DEHP. Such exposure may may increase the risk of cancer, harm male reproductive system and cause birth defects, effecting the development of children during pregnancy.
DEHP is covered by the EU and UK Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) directive and regulations, meaning its use is restricted to 0.1% in products through application and monitored, along with other substances that include lead, cadmium, mercury, Hexavalent chromium and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Electrical and electronic equipment
- Environmental plan for building design and construction.
- Hire, reclaim and reuse scheme combats construction waste.
- Plastic and recycling.
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment RoHS
- Recycling explained.
- Types of plastic in construction.
- Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP.
- Waste hierarchy.
- Waste management plan for England.
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.