NIOSH logo and tagline

NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard: Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)

 

October 1989
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 90-110
cover of 90-110

Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a diester of phthalic acid, is used primarily as a softener in plastics, primarily for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Smaller amounts are used as lubricants. Occupational exposure occurs during the production of DEHP, during the addition of DEHP to plastics, and in the processing of softened plastics.

NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard: Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)