DIBUTYL PHTHALATE

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~y29lA2:1
DIBUTYL PHTHALATE
CASRN: 84-74-2
For other data, click on the Table of Contents

Human Health Effects:

Toxicity Summary:

... The principal media of exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) for the general population, listed in order of their relative importance based upon estimated intake, are as follows: food, indoor air and drinking water. ... Intake of DHP in the diet can vary considerably, depending upon the nature and extent of packaged food consumed and the nature of use of food wrapping in food preparation. ... There is also potential for exposure to DHP in cosmetics. ... In studies on rats, DBP is absorbed through the skin, although in in vitro studies human skin has been found to be less permeable than rat skin to this compound. Studies in laboratory animals indicate that DBP is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed primarily to the liver and kidneys of rats and excreted in urine as metabolites following oral or intravenous administration. Following inhalation, it was consistently detected at low concentrations in the brain. Available data indicate that in rats, following ingestion, DBP is metabolized by nonspecific esterases mainly in the small intestine to yield mono-n-butyl phthalate with limited subsequent biochemical oxidation of the alkyl side chain. Mono-n-butyl phthalate is stable and resistant to hydrolysis of the second ester group. Mono-n-butyl phthalate and other metabolites are excreted in the urine mainly as glucuronide conjugates. Species differences in the excretion of conjugates and unconjugated metabolites of DHP in the urine of rats and hamsters have been observed. ... Accumulation has not been observed in any organ. The profile of effects following exposure to DBP is similar to that of other phthalate esters, which, in susceptible species, can induce hepatomegaly, increased numbers of hepatic peroxisomes, fetotoxicity, teratogenicity, and testicular damage. The acute toxicity of DBP in rats and mice is low. ... Signs of acute toxicity in laboratory animals include depression of activity, labored breathing, and lack of coordination. ... In short-term repeated-dose toxicity studies, effects ... in rats after oral administration ... included peroxisome proliferation and hepatomegaly. ... In longer-term studies, the effects in rats ... included reduced rate of weight gain .... Increase in relative liver weight ... Peroxisomal proliferation with increased peroxisomal enzyme activity. ... Necrotic hepatic changes in Wistar rats ... but not in F-344 or Sprague-Dawley rats. ... Alteration in testicular enzymes and degeneration of testicular germinal cells of rats. ... There are considerable species differences in effects on the testes following exposure to DBP, minimal effects being observed in mice and hamsters. ... DBP appears to have little potential to irritate skin or eyes or to induce sensitization. In humans, a few cases of sensitization after exposure to DBP have been reported. ... In a continuous breeding protocol ... results suggest that the adverse effects of DBP are more marked in animals exposed during development and maturation than in animals exposed as adults only. ... DBP generally induces fetotoxic effects in the absence of maternal toxicity. Available data also indicate that DBP is teratogenic at high doses and that susceptibility to teratogenesis varies with developmental state and period of administration. ... The weight of the available evidence indicates that DBP is not genotoxic. ... Since DBP causes peroxisomal proliferation, it is possible that it might be a rodent liver carcinogen, although it is much weaker in inducing hepatomegaly and peroxisome proliferation than diethylhexyl phthalate. ... Since DBP is not genotoxic and is expected to be a less potent carcinogen than diethylhexyl phthalate ... It is unlikely that DBP presents any significantly increased risk of cancer at concentrations generally present in the environment. Ingestion is by far the principal route of exposure to DBP; moreover, the toxicological data for other routes of administration are insufficient for evaluation. ... The risk to aquatic organisms associated with the present mean concentrations of DBP in surface water is low. However, in highly polluted rivers the safety margin is much smaller. ...
[Environmental Health Criteria 189: Di-n-butyl phthalate. pp. 17-23 (1997) by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organization.]**QC REVIEWED**

Evidence for Carcinogenicity:

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Pertinent data regarding carcinogenicity was not located in the available literature. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) on Dibutyl phthalate (84-74-2) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the Substance File List as of March 15, 2000]**PEER REVIEWED**

Human Toxicity Excerpts:

CHEMICAL WORKER IS SAID TO HAVE SWALLOWED 10 G BY MISTAKE WITH NO SYMPTOMS UNTIL SEVERAL HOURS LATER WHEN HE DEVELOPED A SEVERE KERATITIS IN BOTH EYES WITH LOSS OF CORNEAL EPITHELIUM, ALSO TRANSITORY TOXIC NEPHRITIS, CHARACTERIZED BY PRESENCE OF RED & WHITE BLOOD CELLS & MANY OXALATE CRYSTALS IN URINE.
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986.317]**PEER REVIEWED**

WOMEN WORKING IN SYNTHETIC LEATHER INDUSTRY WHERE PHTHALATES ARE USED HAD HIGHER INCIDENCE OF MISCARRIAGES & MENSTRUAL DISORDERS. /PHTHALATES/
[ALDYREVA ET AL; GIG TR SOSTOYANIE SPETSIFICHESKIKH FUNKTS RAB NEFTEKHIM KHIM PROM-STI: 154-9 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN WOMEN OCCUPATIONALLY DEALING WITH PHTHALATES INCOMPLETE PREGNANCY, REDUCED GESTATION & DELIVERY RATES, INCR ABORTIONS, & PRESENCE OF ANOVULATORY HYPOESTROGENOUS CYCLES WERE OBSERVED. /PHTHALATES/
[ALDYREVA ET AL; GIG TR PROF ZABOL 12: 25 (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE @ 0.25 MG/ML IN HUMAN LEUKOCYTE CULTURES /DOES NOT CAUSE/ CHROMATID ABERRATION.
[TSUCHIYA K, K HATTORI; HOKKAIDORITSU EISEI KENKYUSHO HO 26: 114 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... The toxicity to HeLa cells of 29 plasticizers was determined /in/ the metabolic inhibition test-24 system. The 7-day IC50 (median inhibitory concn) for HeLa cells /ranged/ from 260 to 1.5 g/l. Phthalates, adipates, sebacates, azelates, and phosphates with long carbon chain alcohol were very non-toxic to the cells probably due to insolubility. ... /Phthalates, sebacates, azelates, phosphates/
[Ekwall B et al; Toxicol 24 (3/4): 199-210 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF 150-250 WORKERS EXPOSED TO VAPORS IN AIR MIXTURES OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, DIETHYL PHTHALATE, & DI-2-ETHYL HEXYL PHTHALATE, 19 PERSONAL AIR SAMPLES (COLLECTED IN THE BREATHING ZONE OF EMPLOYEES), 4 HR DURATION EACH, WERE TAKEN OVER 8 DIFFERENT DAYS AT A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE OPERATIONS. THE RESULTS OF THE AIR ANALYSIS RANGED FROM 1-6 PPM, (8-15 MG/CU M). IN A DIAGNOSTIC, MULTIPHASIC TESTING OPERATION, NO PHTHALATES IN BLOOD WERE FOUND BEFORE AND AFTER THE PHTHALATE EXPOSURE, AND NO PERIPHERAL POLYNEURITIS WAS OBSERVED IN THE POPULATION.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.401]**PEER REVIEWED**

... BREATHING PLASTICIZER AS SPRAY CAN CAUSE THROAT IRRITATION. ... /IT/ HAS IRRITATING ACTION ON MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF RESP PASSAGES.
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
[Department of Transportation. Emergency Response Guidebook 1987. DOT P 5800.4. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1987.G-31]**PEER REVIEWED**

In humans, an olfactory threshold value ranging from 0.26 to 1.47 mg/cu m /was found/. Atmospheric concentraions of 0.12 and 0.15 mg/cu m resulted in abnormal encephalographic responses in the three human subjects in the study. When the level was reduced to 0.093 mg/cu m no conditioned reflex was noted. A PSC value of 0.1 mg/cu m is recommended.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate esters p.C-27 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

Caution: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of upper respiratory tract and stomach.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapors from very hot material may irritate eyes and produce headache, drowsiness, and convulsions.
[Prager, J.C. Environmental Contaminant Reference Databook Volume 2. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.778]**PEER REVIEWED**

Analysis of reports in the world's literature suggests that average sperm densities for groups of unselected males were relatively constant at about 108 million cells per ml prior to 1950. Subsequent to that time mean sperm densities appear to have declined. Regression analysis indicates the existence of significant negative correlations between mean sperm densities and production of synthetic organic chemicals among other parameters. Phthalate esters are one class of large volume organic chemicals that are known to disturb testicular function in laboratory animals. These compounds are also the most abundant man made chemicals in the environment. Plots of the concentration of dibutyl phthalate in the cellular fraction of ejaculates against either the sperm density or the total number of sperm for the same ejaculates gave two clusters of points.
[Marature DA et al; Bio Med Environ Mass Spectrom 14 (8): 473-78 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

COMPARATIVE TOXICITY OF PHTHALATE ESTERS TO HELA-S3 CELLS WAS STUDIED BY DETERMINING THEIR EFFECT ON DOUBLING TIME OF THE CELLS. THE TOXICITY OF THE ESTERS DECREASING IN ORDER: DIETHYL PHTHALATE, BUTYL PHTHALYL BUTYL GLYCOLATE, DI-ISO-BUTYL PHTHALATE, ETHYL PHTHALYL ETHYL GLYCOLATE, BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) PHTHALATE, DIMETHYL ISOPHTHALATE, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, METHYL PHTHALYL ETHYL GLYCOLATE, DIMETHYL PHTHALATE, & DIOCTYL PHTHALATE.
[TAIRA M ET AL; MUKOGAWA JOSHI DAIGAKU KIYO, SHOKUMOTSU-HEN 25: 2 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
[Department of Transportation. Emergency Response Guidebook 1987. DOT P 5800.4. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1987.G-31]**PEER REVIEWED**

CONTACT WITH SURFACE OF ... EYES ... BY ACCIDENTAL DROPLET SPLASH AS WELL AS BY EXPTL APPLICATION ... HAS CAUSED ... SEVERE STINGING PAIN. PAIN STIMULATES PROFUSE TEARING ...
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986.317]**PEER REVIEWED**

Caution: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of upper respiratory tract and stomach.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

Medical Surveillance:

Routine medical examinations should be provided to each employee who is exposed to dibutyl phthalate at potentially hazardous levels.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.2]**PEER REVIEWED**

Probable Routes of Human Exposure:

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 370,025 workers (138,570 of these are female) are potentially exposed to dibutyl phthalate in the US(1). Occupational exposure may be through inhalation of dusts or vapors and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dibutyl phthalate is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to dibutyl phthalate via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with products containing dibutyl phthalate(SRC).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Body Burden:

Human adipose tissue 0.10-0.30 ppm(1), 0.57-0.79 ppm(2). Detected in human tissue and blood(3). Dibutyl phthalate was detected, not quantified, in human adipose tissue(4).
[(1) Mes J et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 12: 721-5 (1974) (2) Mes J, Campbell DS; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 16: 53-60 (1976) (3) Overcash MR et al; Behavior of organic priority pollutants in the terrestrial system: di-n-butyl phthalate ester, toluene and 2,4-dintrophenol p.104 NTIS PB82-224-544 (1982) (4) USEPA; Superfund Record of Decision (EPA Region 5): Ionia City Landfill, Ionia, Michigan. (First Remedial Action, September 1989). USEPA-560/5-90-001 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Average Daily Intake:

AIR INTAKE: (assume 0-6 ng/cu m) 0-400 ng(1); WATER INTAKE: (assume 0-2.5 ug/l(2)) 20 ng-10,000 ng; FOOD INTAKE: insufficient data(SRC).
[(1) Kelly TJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 378-87 (1994) (2) Davies K; Adv Environ Sci Technol 23: 525-40 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Animal Toxicity Studies:

Toxicity Summary:

... The principal media of exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) for the general population, listed in order of their relative importance based upon estimated intake, are as follows: food, indoor air and drinking water. ... Intake of DHP in the diet can vary considerably, depending upon the nature and extent of packaged food consumed and the nature of use of food wrapping in food preparation. ... There is also potential for exposure to DHP in cosmetics. ... In studies on rats, DBP is absorbed through the skin, although in in vitro studies human skin has been found to be less permeable than rat skin to this compound. Studies in laboratory animals indicate that DBP is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed primarily to the liver and kidneys of rats and excreted in urine as metabolites following oral or intravenous administration. Following inhalation, it was consistently detected at low concentrations in the brain. Available data indicate that in rats, following ingestion, DBP is metabolized by nonspecific esterases mainly in the small intestine to yield mono-n-butyl phthalate with limited subsequent biochemical oxidation of the alkyl side chain. Mono-n-butyl phthalate is stable and resistant to hydrolysis of the second ester group. Mono-n-butyl phthalate and other metabolites are excreted in the urine mainly as glucuronide conjugates. Species differences in the excretion of conjugates and unconjugated metabolites of DHP in the urine of rats and hamsters have been observed. ... Accumulation has not been observed in any organ. The profile of effects following exposure to DBP is similar to that of other phthalate esters, which, in susceptible species, can induce hepatomegaly, increased numbers of hepatic peroxisomes, fetotoxicity, teratogenicity, and testicular damage. The acute toxicity of DBP in rats and mice is low. ... Signs of acute toxicity in laboratory animals include depression of activity, labored breathing, and lack of coordination. ... In short-term repeated-dose toxicity studies, effects ... in rats after oral administration ... included peroxisome proliferation and hepatomegaly. ... In longer-term studies, the effects in rats ... included reduced rate of weight gain .... Increase in relative liver weight ... Peroxisomal proliferation with increased peroxisomal enzyme activity. ... Necrotic hepatic changes in Wistar rats ... but not in F-344 or Sprague-Dawley rats. ... Alteration in testicular enzymes and degeneration of testicular germinal cells of rats. ... There are considerable species differences in effects on the testes following exposure to DBP, minimal effects being observed in mice and hamsters. ... DBP appears to have little potential to irritate skin or eyes or to induce sensitization. In humans, a few cases of sensitization after exposure to DBP have been reported. ... In a continuous breeding protocol ... results suggest that the adverse effects of DBP are more marked in animals exposed during development and maturation than in animals exposed as adults only. ... DBP generally induces fetotoxic effects in the absence of maternal toxicity. Available data also indicate that DBP is teratogenic at high doses and that susceptibility to teratogenesis varies with developmental state and period of administration. ... The weight of the available evidence indicates that DBP is not genotoxic. ... Since DBP causes peroxisomal proliferation, it is possible that it might be a rodent liver carcinogen, although it is much weaker in inducing hepatomegaly and peroxisome proliferation than diethylhexyl phthalate. ... Since DBP is not genotoxic and is expected to be a less potent carcinogen than diethylhexyl phthalate ... It is unlikely that DBP presents any significantly increased risk of cancer at concentrations generally present in the environment. Ingestion is by far the principal route of exposure to DBP; moreover, the toxicological data for other routes of administration are insufficient for evaluation. ... The risk to aquatic organisms associated with the present mean concentrations of DBP in surface water is low. However, in highly polluted rivers the safety margin is much smaller. ...
[Environmental Health Criteria 189: Di-n-butyl phthalate. pp. 17-23 (1997) by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organization.]**QC REVIEWED**

Evidence for Carcinogenicity:

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Pertinent data regarding carcinogenicity was not located in the available literature. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) on Dibutyl phthalate (84-74-2) Available from: http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris on the Substance File List as of March 15, 2000]**PEER REVIEWED**

Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:

FOUR DIFFERENT CONCN OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE 0.01%, 0.05%, & 1.25%) WERE USED IN DAILY FOODS OF 4 GROUPS EACH OF 10 RATS WITH A SUPPLEMENTARY GROUP AS A CONTROL ONE. THE TESTS RAN FOR TWELVE MO. THE FIRST CONCN (0.01% & 0.05%) DID NOT AFFECT RATS WHICH TOLERATED THE DAILY DOSES WELL. AT A CONCN OF 1.25% HALF OF THE ANIMALS DIED IN FIRST WK. HOWEVER, NO ORGANIC LESIONS WERE FOUND WHEN AUTOPSIES WERE PERFORMED.
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.347]**PEER REVIEWED**

/WHITE RATS, AGES 5 TO 6 WK & WEIGHING 60-75 G/ ACUTE TOXICITY: THE TWO MODES OF ADMIN CHOSEN WERE THE ORAL ONE AND IM ONE. THE FIRST GAVE A RATHER HIGH LETHAL DOSE LD50, 8-10 G/KG BODY WEIGHT (@ 4 G/KG ALL THE ANIMALS REMAINED ALIVE, @ 8 G/KG 4 OUT OF 9 DIED, & @ 16 G/KG 6 OUT OF 6 DIED). THE FATAL IM DOSE WAS EVEN HIGHER, SINCE DOSES OF 8 G/KG BODY WEIGHT DID NOT BRING ABOUT THE DEATH OF A SINGLE ANIMAL.
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.346]**PEER REVIEWED**

/WISTAR RATS/ WERE KEPT ON DIETS CONTAINING, PER KILO, 100 MG, 300 MG & 500 MG DIBUTYL PHTHALATE ON THE FIRST DIET (100 MG/KG) TESTS WERE CARRIED OUT FOR 5 GENERATIONS, AND WITH THE OTHER DIETS (300 MG AND 500 MG) FOR 3 GENERATIONS. GROWTH CURVES OF MALE AND FEMALE RATS SHOWED NO ANOMALIES COMPARED WITH CONTROL RATS OF THE SAME GENERATION. LONG TERM TESTS ON THE SAME ANIMAL MADE IT POSSIBLE TO CONCLUDE THAT DIBUTYL PHTHALATE IS HARMLESS, AND THAT IT IS WITHOUT CARCINOGENIC PROPERTIES UNDER THE PARTICULAR EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS.
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.348]**PEER REVIEWED**

... 1 ML/KG & 0.5 ML/KG OF 50% DIBUTYL PHTHALATE ... REGULARLY ADMIN /ORALLY/ TO 2 GROUPS OF RATS TWICE WK FOR FIFTY-TWO WK. @ END OF PERIOD ANIMALS ... OBSERVED FOR 3 MO. ... 2 FEMALES & 1 MALE HAD SARCOMAS. ... AUTHORS DO NOT THINK THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO CONCLUDE FROM THIS THAT DIBUTYL PHTHALATE CAN CAUSE SARCOMAS. ...
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.347]**PEER REVIEWED**

IRRITATIVE RESPONSE IN RABBITS TO INTRADERMAL INJECTIONS OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE: DEGREE OF EXTRAVASATION @ 10 MIN MILD; @ 15 MIN MILD, @ 20 MIN MODERATE. /FROM TABLE/
[Casarett, L.J., and J. Doull. Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons. New York: MacMillan Publishing Co., 1975.610]**PEER REVIEWED**

1 MG/L /AEROSOL/ INHALED FOR 5.5 HR CAUSED NASAL IRRITATION IN CATS. /FROM TABLE/
[Clayton, G.D., F.E. Clayton (eds.) Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Volumes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: Toxicology. 4th ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993-1994.3051]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE (1.25 UL/EGG) INJECTED INTO AIR SPACE OF FERTILIZED EGG GAVE 50% ABNORMAL EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT; 15 UL/EGG GAVE 30% HATCHABILITY.
[SAKAGAMI ET AL; OSAKA-FURITSU KOSHU EISEI KENKYUSHO KENKYU HOKOKU, YAKUJI SHIDO HEN 11: 15 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE 0.5% ORALLY TO MICE FROM DAY 0-18TH OF GESTATION: NO EFFECT ON MOTHER BUT INCR EMBRYONIC MORTALITY. TERATOGENESIS AFTER 0.1% & 0.5%, BUT NO ABNORMALITY IN ORGANS.
[HAMANO ET AL; SHOKUHIN EISEI HEN 8: 29 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

WHEN RATS WERE /ORALLY/ DOSED TWICE WEEKLY ... (1 ML/KG OF BODY WEIGHT OF A SOLN IN OIL) FOR A PERIOD OF 6 WK, NO ADVERSE EFFECTS WERE REPORTED. ... IN A CHRONIC GAVAGE STUDY, RATS WERE MAINTAINED ON DBP (1 ML/KG OF BODY WEIGHT OF A SOLUTION IN OIL) FOR 1.5 YR WITHOUT ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE PARAMETERS STUDIED WHICH INCLUDED HEMATOLOGY, PATHOLOGY OF ORGAN TISSUE, & ORGAN WEIGHTS.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.400]**PEER REVIEWED**

... 2 HR EXPOSURE OF MICE TO AN AEROSOL CONCN APPROX 250 MG/CU M OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE RESULTED IN SEVERE IRRITATION OF EYES AND UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT, LABORED BREATHING, INCOORDINATION, PARTIAL PARALYSIS, CONVULSIONS, /CNS DEPRESSION/, AND IN SOME ANIMALS, DEATH FROM PARALYSIS OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.400]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE WAS NOT TOXIC TO FEMALE HOUSE FLIES, MUSCA DOMESTICA, WHEN APPLIED AT HIGH DOSAGES TOPICALLY OR BY INJECTION.
[AL-BADRY MS, KNOWLES CO; ARCH ENVIRON CONTAM TOXICOL 9 (2): 147 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SINGLE IP ADMIN OF 3.05 ML/KG DIBUTYL PHTHALATE IN RATS INHIBITED THE ACTIVITY OF HEPATIC AMINOPYRINE N-DEMETHYLASE & ANILINE HYDROXYLASE; HOWEVER, NO DECREASE IN ENZYME ACTIVITY WAS OBSERVED AFTER DAILY IP ADMIN FOR 7 DAYS.
[SETH ET AL; BULL ENVIRON CONTAM TOXICOL 26 (6): 764 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS, HEPATIC CONCN OF CYTOCHROME P450 & CYTOCHROME-C-REDUCTASE INCR AFTER INTRAGASTRIC DOSES OF 0.01 MMOL/KG BODY WT FOR 5 DAYS. LUNG ENZYME ACTIVITIES WERE NOT AFFECTED BUT IP ADMIN CAUSED DECR IN CYTOCHROME P450 & B5.
[WALSETH F, NILSEN OG; ACTA PHARMACOL TOXICOL SUPPL 49 (1): 90 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE WAS MIXED WITH FOOD & GIVEN TO PREGNANT MICE THROUGHOUT GESTATION. 1.0% LEVEL RESULTED IN DECR MATERNAL WEIGHT GAIN, & INCR RESORPTION & MALFORMATION RATES WITH NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS (EXENCEPHALY & SPINA BIFIDA), GROWTH RETARDATION, & DELAYED OSSIFICATION NOTED.
[SHIOTA ET AL; ENVIRON RES 22: 245 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ZINC CONCENTRATIONS IN THE TESTES OF MICE FED A DIET CONTAINING 2% DIBUTYL PHTHALATE WERE LESS THAN THOSE OF CONTROL ANIMALS. THE RELATIVE WEIGHT OF TESTES INCREASED IN DIBUTYL PHTHALATE TREATED MICE.
[OISHI S, HIRAGA K; TOXICOL LETT (AMST) 5 (6): 413 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

CULTURES OF THE DIATOM SKELETONEMA COSTATUM GROWN @ 5 DIFFERENT SALINITIES WERE EXPOSED TO VARIOUS CONCN OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE (DBP). RESULTS SHOW THAT DBP WAS MORE TOXIC IN MEDIA OF LOWER SALINITY; INCREASING SALINITY HAD A GREATER EFFECT ON THE GROWTH RATE THAN DBP.
[MEDLIN LK; BULL ENVIRON CONTAM TOXICOL 25 (1): 75 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RATS EXPOSED TO DIBUTYL PHTHALATE MIST @ 0.5 MG/CU M & 50 MG/CU M 6 HR/DAY FOR 6 MO SHOWED SMALLER BODY WEIGHT GAINS, GREATER BRAIN & LUNG WEIGHTS, ABNORMAL SERUM FINDINGS (HIGH UREA NITROGEN & LOW CHOLESTEROL LEVELS), & HIGH TRANSAMINASE ACTIVITY WHEN COMPARED TO CONTROLS.
[KAWANO M; JPN J HYG 35 (4): 684 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Dibutyl phthalate (10-100 ul/ml) was not mutagenic in Saccharomyces with or without metabolic activation ... /the compound/ was cytotoxic at these concn if treatment continued beyond 24 hr.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Document: Phthalate Esters (Update) (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... 6/10 mice died within 7 hr of oral administration of 200 mg/day/animal dibutyl phthalate, whereas 3/10 animals died within 2 days after administration of 100 mg/day/animal. /Toxic signs/ ... shortness of breath, lung edema, lung congestion, and testicular atrophy. ...
[Sajiki JY et al; Kankyo Osen Busshitu to Sono Tokishikorojii Shinpojumu 6: 54-9 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was administered to pregnant female rats (ip) at 1/10, 1/5, and 1/3 the acute LD50. (0.305 ml/kg of dibutyl phthalate)... control groups included: untreated rats, rats treated with 10 ml/kg of distilled water, ... 10 ml/kg of normal saline ... 5 ml/kg cottonseed oil. ... Treatments took place on day 5, 10, and 15 of gestation ... 20th day ... rats were sacrificed ... DBP esters produced gross or skeletal abnormalities which were dose related ... absence of tail, anophthalmia, twisted ... legs, hematomas ... elongated and fused ribs ... absence of tail bones ... abnormal or incomplete skull bones ... incomplete or missing leg bones ... /and/ reduced weight of fetuses compared to controls.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Qual Doc: Phthalate Esters p.C-38 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

Oral administration of dibutyl phthalate ... produced severe seminiferous tubular atrophy in rats and guinea pigs but caused only focal atrophy in mice. Hamsters showed no testicular changes. ...
[Gray TJB et al; Toxicol Lett 11 (1-2): 141-7 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Chronic administration of 20 mg di-butyl phthalate/kg for 80 days ... caused leukocytosis in rats. ...
[Komarova EN; Toxsikol Sanir Khim Plastmass 3: 12-5 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Mallard ducks ... /fed a/ duck mash diet containing 10 mg/kg phthalate ester, showed no significant accumulation of dibutyl phthalate ... after 5 months of continuous dietary exposure.
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.79 (1980) NRCC No.17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

When flexible plastic glazing strips containing dibutyl phthalate were in an enclosed volume, such as a greenhouse, the vapors of /this compound/ reached toxic concentrations and killed cabbage seedlings. The phenomenon varied in severity between varieties. Concentrations of /dibutyl phthalate/ less than or equal to 2010 pg/l were recorded in such glasshouses. The problem was resolved by replacing the glazing strip with a strip plasticized with di-iso-decyl phthalate. A residual dibutyl phthalate concentration of 120 pg/l was traced to contaminants in the strip. Other plastic items used in glasshouses such as hosepipes and flexible pots may also be toxic.
[Hardwick RC et al; Ann Appl Biol 105 (1): 97-105 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Male rats exposed to dibutyl phthalate by inhalation with concentrations of 0.5, 2.5, and 7.0 ppm in the air for 5 days. The concentrations were considered relevant to human exposure. No quatitative changes were observed in the liver microsomal cytochrome p450 /content/, but significant incr was observed in the liver microsomal metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene and n-hexane, in the 2.5 ppm and 0.5 ppm groups, respectively. Inhaled dibutyl phthalate decreased in a dose-dependent way the lung microsomal concentration of cytochrome p450 by as much as 63%, which was reflected in a significant reduction of the microsomal metabolism of n-hexane and benzo(a)pyrene in the 7.0 ppm group. Thus, dibutyl phthalate in doses relevant to human air exposure influences the cytochrome p450 enzyme system in both liver and lung, with lung as the main target organ. The observed effects in lung microsomes were similar to those earlier reported after ip administration of dibutyl phthalate.
[Walseth F, Nilsen OG; Arch Toxicol 55 (2): 132-6 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Monoethylhexyl phthalate at concentrations that can occur in blood stored in plastic bags (0.1-0.5 mg/ml), reduced contractions of rat isolated gastric fundus to PGE2 and acetylcholine; the diethyl compound was less effective. In contrast, dibutyl phthalate (1 and 10 ug/ml) and, to a lesser extent, di-isobutyl phthalate increased the muscle tone. These results are discussed in relation to blood transfusion, and structural similarities between phthalates and prostaglandins.
[Tavares IA et al; Eur J Pharmacol 106 (2): 449-52 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The toxicities of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-n-octyl phthalate was assessed by measuring the effect of exposure to these compounds on the fecundity of Daphnia magna and on the hatching and survival of the early life stages of the fathead minnow Pimephales promelas. For Daphnia magna, exposure to 1.8 mg/l DBP or 1.0 mg/l di-n-octyl phthalate caused a significant reduction in reproduction. Doses of 0.56 mg/l DBP or 0.32 mg/l di-n-octyl phthalate had no significant effect in decreasing reproduction. Survival of fathead minnow embryos was decreased by exposure to 1.8 mg/l DBP; none of the embryos exposed to this dose hatched successfully. Hatching and larval survival were affected by exposure to 1.0 mg/l DBP, but not to 0.56 mg/l. Exposure to di-n-octyl phthalate did not affect survival of either early embryos or larvae of the fathead minnow at doses up to 10 mg/l (the highest dose tested). Hatching of the embryos was significantly decreased at 10 mg/l, but not at 3.2 mg/l di-n-octyl phthalate.
[McCarthy JF, Whitmore DK; Environ Toxicol Chem 4: 167-79 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Male rats were fed 1% dibutyl phthalate in their diet for 26 days and sleeping time with pentobarbital (30 mg/kg ip) was determined. Sleeping time of rats fed only the basal diet was 101.0 minutes and that of rats fed dibutyl phthalate was 60.7 minutes. When rats were fed tryptophan sufficient diet or 1% dibutyl phthalate plus a tryptophan sufficient diet for 33 days, dibutyl phthalate did not cause an increase in growth rate; the levels of quinolinic acid, nicotinic acid, N1-methylnicotinamide and ascorbic acid in urine were higher in the dibutyl phthalate fed group than in the basal diet group. Thus, the conversion of anthranilic acid to 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid was considered to be increased by the administration of dibutyl phthalate, presumably by induction of the cytochrome p450 system.
[Shibata K et al; Nippon Eiyo, Shokuryo Gakkaishi 37 (6): 513-8 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutyl phthalate may induce testicular atrophy in rats. In this study, the ester was dissolved in corn oil and administered orally (by intubation) for a period of time. The dose administered was was 2 g/kg while control animals received corn oil in a volume of 5 ml/kg. The initial effect was a progressive reduction in weight of the testes. In 14 days, the reduction amounted to 60 to 70 percent of the original weight. A decrease in body and testicular weight /was observed/. Histopathological examination of testes tissue demonstrated morphological damage. Further investigations revealed that the ester adversely affects zinc metabolism and increases urinary zinc excretion. /It was/ suggested that after oral administration, dibutyl phthalate is metabolized by nonspecific esterases in the gastrointestinal tract to the monobutyl phthalate prior to absorption into the bloodstream. The monoester or another metabolite of dibutyl phthalate may act as a chelating agent by removing zinc from the testes. Testicular zinc deficiency /may be a/ causative factor leading to testicular atrophy.
[Carter BR et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 41: 609 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a plasticizer, is a teratogen in mice and rabbits but produces fetal loss in the rat. Long term dosing studies indicating reduced fertility in rat suggested a maternal effect of the compound. The decidual cell response and pregnant rats were used to examine whether DBP affects maternal physiological parameters independent of the compound's fetotoxic effect. DBP has no effect on the decidual cell response, pregnant uterine weight, number of implantation sites, ovarian weight, or serum progesterone concentration during early pregnancy or pseudopregnancy.
[Cummings AM, Gray LE; Toxicol Lett 39 (1): 43-50 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

This study /examines/ responses in fecundity, viability of embryos, and skeletal anomalies during and after exposure of cyprinodontiform fish, Rivulus marmoratus, to the plasticizer, di-n-butylphthalate (DBP). Skeletal anomalies among offspring were classified as mild, moderate, or severe compared with non-deformed normal offspring. The frequency of skeletal anomalies increased from 4% (all categories combined) in controls, to 10% and 19% of the offspring from adults exposed to 1 and 2 mg 1/1 DBP, respectively. DBP treatment was conducted over a 21 week interval, followed by a 9 week post treatment observation interval. During post treatment, frequency of skeletal anomalies decreased to less than 5% in all groups.
[Davis WP; Environ Biol Fishes 21 (2): 81-90 (1988)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The toxicity caused by a volatile constituent from certain samples of flexible polyvinyl chloride was due to dibutyl or diisobutyl phthalate plasticisers. Radish (Raphanus sativus) seedlings, exposed to an air stream containing 160-180 ng dm/3 of butyl phthalates developed chlorotic leaves within 3-4 days. Within 12 days neither dioctyl nor diisodecyl phthalate produced damage in the test plants. Measurements of photosynthetic and respiratory gas exchange in intact shoots of affected radishes showed that photosynthesis was severely inhibited while respiration was virtually unaffected. Electron micrographs of sections from young leaves showed disruption of thylakoid formation and granal stacking. In mature leaves, thylakoids and grana were well formed but chloroplasts were swollen and the thylakoids were pushed towards the vacuolar side of the chloroplasts. Sensitivity to toxic phthalates varies between species; all members of the Cruciferae tested were susceptible, tomato less so, and lettuce and ryegrass were resistant.
[Hannay JW DJ; Exp Bot 37 (179): 883-97 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

These studies compared the reproductive toxicity of four phthalates by a continuous breeding protocol. Mice were given diets with di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) (0.00, 0.03, 0.3, or 1.0%). Both male and female CD-1 mice were dosed for 7 days prior to and during a 98 day cohabitation period. Reproductive function was evaluated during the cohabitation period by measuring the numbers of litters per pair and of live pups per litter, pup weight, and offspring survival. DBP exposure resulted in a reduction in the numbers of litters per pair and of live pups per litter and in the proportion of pups born alive at the 1.0% amount, but not at lower dose levels. A crossover mating trial demonstrated that female mice, but not males, were affected by DBP, as shown by significant decreases in the percentage of fertile pairs, the number of live pups per litter, the proportion of pups born alive, and live pup weight.
[Lamb JC et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 88 (2): 255-69 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Seven phthalate esters of different chain lengths and degrees of branching were evaluated for their ability to induce peroxisomes in the livers of Fischer-344 rats. The esters included di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, butyl(benzyl)phthalate di(n-butyl)phthalate, di(isodecyl)phthalate, di(isononyl)phthalate, di(undecyl)phthalate, di(n-hexyl,n-octyl,undecyl) phthalate, and di(heptyl,nonyl,undecyl)phthalate. Each of the compounds was fed to groups of five male and five female rats in the diet at concentrations of 2.5, 1.2, and either 0.6 or 0.3 percent for a period of 21 days. Cyanide insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation, lauric-acid-11-hydroxylase, and lauric-acid-12-hydroxylase were assayed in the liver microsomes. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in the serum. The results indicated that none of the esters was more potent than di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The most sensitive parameters were relative liver weight and cyanide insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation. The latter parameter was assumed to be an indicator of peroxisome proliferation and thereby predictive of liver tumorigenesis.
[Barber ED et al; Toxicol and Indust Health 3 (2): 7-24 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The effects of feeding dibutyl phthalate to groups of rats. At concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.25 percent of dibutyl phthalate in food, no adverse effects were noted after one year. When the dose level was increased to 1.25 percent, approximately half of the animals died in the first week but the remaining animals grew normally as compared to the untreated controls.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate esters p.C-26 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

Rats were exposed continuously for 93 days at chamber concentrations of 0.098, 0.256 and 0.98 mg/cu m. No behavioral changes were noted nor any weight loss discerned. The important finding was that gamma globulin was increased and appeared to be dose related.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate esters p.C-26-7 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dimethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate were given ip (3.8 mM/kg) to Sprague Dawley rats for 5 days. DBP increased significantly the liver concn of cytochrome p450, but decreased the lung concn by about 40%. DBP decreased the lung concn of cytochrome b5 and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-cytochrome-c-reductase activity by about 30%. Only minor effects were observed after treatment with dimethyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. The direction of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism was changed and the formation of 2- and 3- hexanol metabolites were increased in liver microsomes after DBP treatment. All phthalate esters decreased the lung metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene. The cytochrome p450 enzyme system in the lung was ten times more effective than that in the liver as far as metabolism of n-hexane was concerned. Only minor effects were observed in the serum enzyme activities, but a significant decr in the serum level of albumin was observed after treatment with DBP. No relationship was found between the carbon chain length of the investigated chemicals and effects on microsomal enzymatic activities.
[Walseth F et al; Arch Toxicol 50 (1): 1-10 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

VAPOR OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE IN LIGHT PRODUCES DISTURBANCES IN CAROTENOID SYNTHESIS OF GREEN PLANTS (BROWALLIA SPECIOSA & RAPHANUS SATIVUS) RESULTING IN CHLOROPHYLL DEFICIENCY & IN EXTREME CASES COMPLETELY CHLOROPHYLL-FREE LEAVES HAVING A WHITE COLOR.
[VIRGIN ET AL; PHYSIOL PLANT 53 (2): 158 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Phthalate esters such as di-n-butyl, di-n-pentyl and di-n-hexyl and their major metabolites, the corresponding monoesters, also cause a decrease in testes weights, damage the seminiferous tubules, and deplete gonadal zinc in the rat. In the mouse, dibutyl and di-isobutyl phthalate also cause decreases in testicular weights and zinc content.
[Thomas, J.A., K.S. Korach, J.A. McLachlan. Endocrine Toxicology. New York, NY: Raven Press, Ltd., 1985.290]**PEER REVIEWED**

Features of the testicular effects of phthalate esters in rats were described, emphasizing the Sertoli cell as a primary target and effects of phthalate monoesters on cultures of testicular cells. ... Rats treated with di-n-butyl-phthlate, 2000 mg/kg per day for 5 days, showed a marked decreased in testis and seminal vesicle weight and severe testicular atrophy; administration of serum gonadotrophin increased seminal vesicle weights in phthalate treated and control animals. Development of testicular lesions was not due to lack of availability of pituitary hormones or testosterone, suggesting an action site in the seminiferous tubules.
[Gray TJB, Gangolli SD; Environ Health Perspect 65: 229-35 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Isolated rat liver mitochondria were exposed to mono- and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and mono- and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. DBP and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate stimulated succinate state 4 respiration, impaired K+-valinomycin induced swelling with succinate, ascorbate, or ATP as the energy source, and inhibited succinate state 3 respiration and succinate cytochrome c reductase activity. At concentrations which uncouple energy linked reactions, mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and DBP produced only slight energy independent swelling and release of soluble proteins from isolated mitochondria. Uncoupling by mono-butyl phthalate may involve disruption of mitochondrial membrane integrity, while uncoupling by DBP and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is probably due to an increase in membrane permeability to H+ and other small ions.
[Melnick RL, Schiller CM; Toxicology 34 (1): 13-27 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

FIVE PHTHALATE ESTERS, DIMETHYL PHTHALATE, DIETHYL PHTHALATE, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, DIHEXYL PHTHALATE, & DIOCTYL PHTHALATE, WERE TESTED FOR THE HATCHING OF BRINE SHRIMP (ARTEMIA SALINA) EGGS. DIBUTYL PHTHLATE ESTER WAS THE MOST TOXIC OF THE PHTHALATES TESTED. THE TOXIC ORDER OF 3 OF THE ESTERS WAS DIBUTYL PHTHALATE GREATER THAN DIETHYL PHTHALATE GREATER THAN DIMETHYL PHTHALATE. CONCN WERE 10, 20, & 50 PPM.
[SUGAWARA N; TOXICOL APPL PHARMACOL 30 (1): 87-89 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**

In a continuous breeding protocol COBS-Crl:CD-outbred-albino-mice were fed diets containing diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl-phthalate (DBP), di-n-hexyl-phthalate (DHP), or di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) to determine the reproductive effects of these compounds. The following levels of the phthalic acid esters were used: diethyl phthalate, 0.25, 1.25, or 2.5%; di-n-butyl-phthalate, 0.03, 0.3, or 1.0%; di-n-hexyl-phthalate, 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2%; di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate , 0.01, 0.1, 0.3%. The number of fertile matings was adversely affected by the highest dose levels of di-n-butyl-phthalate, di-n-hexyl-phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. Some decrease in body weight gain was noted for the top dose levels of di-n-butyl-phthalate and di-n-hexyl phthalate, but not di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. At dose levels where fertile matings occurred, a decrease was noted either in the number of live pups per litter or in the proportion of pups born alive. Diethyl phthalate caused decreased body weight gain, but did not affect reproduction. While diethyl phthalate did not affect fertility in the first generation, it was associated with decreased litter size in the second generation. Di-n-hexyl-phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate decreased epididymal sperm concentration, increased the percentage of abnormal sperm, and decreased percentages of motile sperm. The failure of di-n-butyl-phthalate to produce significant adverse effects in male mice fertility seems to be a species/specific response.
[Lamb JC et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol; 88 (2): 255-69 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Oral administration of di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate led to decreased testicular weight and associated histological changes within the seminiferous tubules, and depletion of germinal epithelium to only Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and a small number of spermatocytes. ... Similar pathobiologic effects were associated with administration of d-n-pentyl-phthalate, di-n-hexyl-phthalate, and particularly di-n-butyl-phthalate. These phthalates were found to be metabolized in vivo to their corresponding monoesters by nonspecific esterases in the intestinal mucosa and other tissues. Such monoesters also were effective in producing testicular damage in exposed rats. Phthalates induced increased urinary zinc excertion and a reduced level of this element within testicular tissue. ...
[Grangolli SD; Environmental Health Perspectives 45: 77-84 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The mutagenic activities of several phthalate esters have been evaluated in an 8-azaguanine resistance assay in Salmonella typhimurium. Three phthalate esters were found to be mutagenic: dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and di-n-butyl phthalate. A number of other phthalate esters were not found to be mutagenic, including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate and diisodecyl phthalate. A metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 2-ethylhexanol, was also noted to be mutagenic. The mutagenic activity of this agent and others in this series was dose dependent but weak. No dose response curve exceeded more than 3.5 times background at maximally testable concentrations. A liquid suspension histidine reversion assay of dimethyl phthalate showed levels of mutagenic activity similar to that observed in the azaguanine resistance assay. ...
[Seed JL; Environ Health Perspect 45: 111-4 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The effects of phthalic acid esters on concentrations of testosterone and zinc in testicular tissues were studied. Young male Wistar rats were fed diets containing 2% dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-butyl, di-iso-butyl (DIBP), di-n-octyl (DOP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, or o-phthalic acid for one week. The animals were then killed, samples of blood were collected, and the fresh weights of the testes, liver, and kidneys were obtained. ... Testicular weights were decreased in rats fed di-n-butyl, di-iso-butyl and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalates. Rats treated with di-n-butyl, di-iso-butyl or di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate had decreased zinc concentrations in the testes and liver, while di-n-octyl-treated rats had decreased zinc concentrations ... were found in the serum and tested of dimethyl, and diethyl, treated rats, while testosterone levels were significantly increased in the testes of rats fed di-n-butyl, di-iso-butyl and di-2-ethlyhexyl phthalate.
[Oishi S, Hiraga K; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 53: 35-41 (1980) as cited in: USEPA/ECAO; Atlas Document for: Phthalate Esters p.VI-7 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Eight phthalic acid esters were studied in a rat teratogenicity study. The esters included dimethyl, dimethoxyethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, diisobutyl, butyl carbobutoxymethyl, dioctyl and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates. For all the esters, except two, the dose administered intraperitoneally to pregnant female rats was 1/10, 1/5, or 1/3 the acute LD50. For these esters, the doses /administered undiluted/ ranged from a low of 0.305 ml/kg for dibutyl phthalate to a high of 2.296 ml/kg for butyl carbobutoxymethyl phthalate. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dioctyl phthalate were given at doses of 5 and 10 ml/kg because of their very low acute toxicity. Control groups included: untreated rats, treated with 10 mg/kg of distilled water, rats treated with 10 ml/kg of normal saline and rats treated with 10 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg of cottonseed oil. All treatments took place on days 5, 10, and 15 of gestation. On the 20th day, all rats were sacrificed and the uterine horns and ovaries were surgically exposed to permit counting and recording of the number of corpora lutea, resorption sites, and viable and dead fetuses. Additionally, both viable and nonviable fetuses were excised, weighed, and examined for gross malformation. Thirty to fifty percent of the fetuses (using those which showed no gross malformation when possible) were prepared as transparent specimens to permit visualization of skeletal deformities. All of the esters produced gross or skeletal abnormalities which were dose related. The most common gross abnormalities in the treated animals were absence of tail, anophthalmia, twisted hands and legs, and hematomas. Skeletal abnormalities included elongated and fused ribs (bilateral and unilateral), absence of tail bones, abnormal or incomplete skull bones, and incomplete or missing leg bones. Dead fetuses were found in the groups treated with dimethyl, dimethoxyethyl, and diisobutyl phthalates. The most embryotoxic agent in the series was dimethoxyethyl phthalate. Each of the esters also reduced the weight of the fetuses when compared to the controls. Even at the high dose levels (5 and 10 ml/kg), di-2-ethylhexyl and dioctyl phthalates had the least adverse effects on embryo/fetus development.
[Singh AR et al; J Pharmacol Sci 61: 51 (1972) as cited in: USEPA/ECAO; Atlas Document for: Phthalate Esters p.VI-1 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Eight phthalic acid esters were included in a rat teratogenicity study. The esters included dimethyl, dimethoxyethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, diisobutyl, butyl carbobutoxymethyl, dioctyl and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates. For all the esters, except two, the dose administered intraperitoneally to pregnant female rats was 1/10, 1/5, or 1/3 the acute LD50. For these esters, the doses ranged from a low of 0.305 ml/kg for dibutyl phthlate to a high of 2.296 ml/kg for butyl carbobutoxymethyl phthalate. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dioctyl phthalate were given at doses of 5 and 10 ml/kg because of their very low acute toxicity. Control groups included: untreated rats, rats treated with 10 ml/kg of distilled water, rats treated with 10 ml/kg of normal saline, and rats treated with 10 ml/kg and 5 ml/kg of cottonseed oil. All treatments took place on days 5, 10, and 15 of gestation. On the 20th day, all rats were sacrificed and the uterine horns and ovaries were surgically exposed to permit counting and recording of the number of corpora lutea, resorption sites, and viable and dead fetuses. Additionally, both viable and nonviable fetuses were excised, weighed, and examined for gross malformation. 30-50% of the fetuses (using those which showed no gross malformation when possible) were prepared as transparent specimens to permit visualization of skeletal deformities. All of the esters produced gross of skeletal abnormalities which were dose related. The most common gross abnormalities in the treated animals were absence of tail, anophthalmia, twisted hands and legs, and hematomas. Skeletal abnormalities included elongated and fused ribs (bilateral and unilateral), absence of tail bones, abnormal or incomplete skull bones, and incomplete or missing leg bones.
[USEPA/ECAO; Atlas Document for: Phthalate Esters p.VI-1 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... At high doses when injected ip, the esters can act as teratogenic agents and possibly as mutagenic agents in rats. These esters also have an effect upon gonads in rats. /Also/ the esters may bring about biochemical and pathological changes in the liver of rats when repeatedly administered orally or by ip. /Phthalic acid esters/
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate Esters p.C-56 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

National Toxicology Program Studies:

Di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) was evaluated using the "Reproductive Assessment by Continuous Breeding" protocol & Swiss CD-1 mice. In the present study ... dietary levels of 0.0, 0.03, 0.3 & 1.0% DBP (> or =99% pure) were employed in Task 2. Continuous exposure of CD-l mice (11 wks of age at outset) to the 1.0% dietary level of DBP significantly diminished (p< 0.01) the number of breeding pairs able to produce at least one litter as compared to the control pairs. In contrast, the 0.03 & 0.3% dietary levels of DBP had no effect on the fertility of breeding pairs. DBP at the highest dietary level (1.0%) also significantly decreased the number of litters delivered/pair, the average litter size, & the proportion of pups born alive as compared to the control & two lower dose groups. In addition, the proportion of live males/litter (males/total) was significantly greater in the 1.0% DBP group versus the control, & the 0.03 & 0.3% DBP groups, implying that male fetuses may be slightly more resistant to the toxic effects of DBP than female fetuses. Further, live pup weight adjusted for the total number of pups/litter tended to be lower for the pairs receiving the 1.0% DBP diet as compared to the pairs fed the control, 0.03% DBP, or 0.3% DBP diets. Since DBP exerted significant deleterious effects on fertility & reproductive performance in the F0 breeding pairs (Task 2), it was decided to conduct a crossover mating trial with the control & high dose F0 mice in order to determine whether one or both sexes were adversely affected (Task 3). Three combinations of breeding pairs were utilized in the crossover mating trial immediately following the 18-wk exposure period in Task 2. These were: Control male x Control female, 1.0% DBP male x Control female, & Control male x 1.0% DBP female. Although the proportion of detected matings did not differ significantly across the 3 combinations of breeding pairs, the proportion fertile was significantly reduced in the Control male x 1.0% DBP female pairing vs the Control male x Control female & 1.0% DBP male x Control female pairings. In addition, the number of live pups/litter, the proportion of pups born alive, & the absolute & relative live pup weights were significantly decreased for the Control male x 1.0% DBP female pairs as compared to the other two combinations of breeding pairs. As observed initially for the F0 pairs fed the 1.0% DBP diet, the proportion of live males/litter (males/total) in Task 3 tended to be higher for the Control male x 1.0% DBP female pairs relative to the other 2 pairings. Taken together, these data clearly show that the female parent & her offspring in utero were selectively affected by exposure to 1.0% DBP in the diet. The control & 1.0% DBP-exposed F0 mice were necropsied 26 days after the completion of the 7-day crossover mating trial. Sperm assessment indicated no significant difference in the % motile sperm, sperm concn, or % abnormal sperm in the cauda epididymis between male mice exposed to 0.0 or 1.0% DBP in the diet. On the other hand, body weight was significantly decreased & the relative liver weight was significantly increased in the male mice fed the 1.0% DBP- containing diet versus male mice given the control diet. In the F0 females, absolute & relative liver weight was significantly increased & absolute & relative uterine weight was significantly decreased in the 1.0% DBP-exposed group vs the combined control group. No treatment related gross or histopathologic lesions were noted for the testis, epididymis, prostate or seminal vesicles in male mice, or for the ovary, oviduct, uterus, or vagina in the female mice. Histological evaluation of the cell types in the vaginal mucosa indicated that there were no treatment-related effects on the estrous cycle. Under the conditions of this study, 1.0% DBP in the diet was a reproductive toxicant in female CD-l mice as evidenced by decreased fertility, decreased number of litters, decreased number of live pups/litter, decreased proportion of pups born alive, decreased live pup weights, & an increased proportion of live males/litter (males/total). Uterine weight also was significantly lower in 1.0% DBP exposed females vs controls, perhaps reflecting the production of fewer & smaller litters in the DBP-treated group. Finally, liver weights were greater in 1.0% DBP-exposed males & females & body weight was significantly decreased in 1.0% DBP-fed males as compared to these same endpoints in control male & female mice.Thus, DBP is a reproductive toxicant in the presence of systemic toxicity.
[Department of Health & Human Services/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program; Di(n-butyl) Phthalate (CAS No. 84-74-2): Reproduction and Fertility Assessment in CD-1 Mice When Administered in the Feed, NTP Study No. RACB83084 (November 28, 1984) available at http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/htdocs/pub-RT0.html as of August 14, 2002]**QC REVIEWED**

Di(n-butyl)phthalate (DBP) ... in feed was tested for its effects on fertility & reproduction in CD Sprague-Dawley rats according to the Continuous Breeding Protocol. Based on results of a dose-finding study & the information available in the literature, 0.1, 0.5, & 1.0% were chosen to investigate effect on fertility & reproduction. This yielded average doses of approx 66, 320 & 651 mg DBP/kg/day. Male & female rats (F0) were continuously exposed for a 7-day precohabitation & a 112-day cohabitation period (Task 2). Treated male & female body weights in Task 2 were within 10% of control body weights. Feed consumption values for 1.0% treated females were 18 & 8% lower compared to the control value for wk 1 & 6 respectively, & body weights of the F0 dams were decreased at all time points. Reproductive endpoints adversely affected by DBP in the F0 generation were the total number of live pups/litter (all groups) & live pup weights (middle & high dose groups). In Task 3, designed to determine the affected sex, the weights of pups from treated females were significantly decreased. At necropsy, F0 females showed decreased body weights & increased kidney- & liver- to-body weight ratios compared to controls. F0 males had increased absolute liver weights & increased liver-, kidney-, right cauda-, & epididymis-to-body weight ratios. Sperm parameters were not affected. The F1 pups from the final litter in the control & all three groups were weaned for second generation studies. Mating, pregnancy & fertility indices for F1 rats in the 1.0% dose group were all significantly decreased in the presence of a significant decr in F1 female dam body weights. Live F2 pup weights were significantly lower in all treated groups. At F1 female necropsy, body & organ weights were significantly lower in the 1.0% group For F1 males, body weight & all reproductive organ-to-body weight ratios were lower while kidney & liver ratios were higher. Epididymal sperm count & testicular spermatid head count were significantly decreased in the 1.0% treated group. In the 1.0% group, histopathologic evaluation showed degenerated seminiferous tubules in the testis in 8 of 10 animals & underdeveloped epididymis in 5 of 19 animals examined. The present study showed that DBP is a reproductive toxicant in the presence of systemic toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats exposed both as adults & during development. Overall, the data indicate that effects on the second generation were greater than on the first generation.
[Department of Health & Human Services/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Toxicology Program; Reproductive Toxicity of Di-N-Butyl Phthalate (CAS No. 84-74-2) in Sprague-Dawley Rats, NTP Study No. RACB89012 (September 1991) available at http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/htdocs/pub-RT0.html as of August 14, 2002]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Non-Human Toxicity Values:

LD50 Rat ip 3.05 ml/kg.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Qual Doc: Phthalate Esters p.C-21 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

LD50 Rat im 8.0 g/kg
[USEPA; Ambient Water Qual Doc: Phthalate Esters p.C-21 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

LD50 Rabbit dermal 20 ml/kg.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Qual Doc: Phthalate Esters p.C-21 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

LD50 Mouse oral 9 g/kg.
[Konarova EN; Toksikol Sanit Khim Plastmass 3: 12-15 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

LD50 Mouse intraperitoneal 4.0 g/kg.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate esters p.C-21 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

LD50 rat oral 8,000 mg/kg
[Farm Chemicals Handbook 1997. Willoughby, OH: Meister Publishing Co., 1997.C122]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Cytotoxicity of dibutyl phthalate ... in terms of 50% survival rate during cultivation for two days ... mouse neuroblastoma (n-18) cells 0.019 mM; hamster lung cells (HmLV strain) 0.02 mM; rabbit kidney cells (RK13 strain) 0.047 mM.
[Sajiki J, Fukuda Y; Igaku No Ayumi 114 (11): 912-4 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Ecotoxicity Values:

EC50 Gymnodinium breve (alga) 200 ug/l/96 hr, toxic effect: chlorophyll. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Doc: Phthalate Esters p.B-14 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

EC50 Gymnodinium breve (alga) 3.4 ug/l/96 hr, toxic effect: chlorophyll a. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Doc: Phthalate Esters p.B-14 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

EC50 Gymnodinium breve (alga) 600 ug/l/96 hr, toxic effect: cell number. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Doc: Phthalate Esters p.B-14 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

Artemia salina (brine shrimp) 10 mg/l toxic effect: 20% reduction in number of larvae hatched over 24 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Nat Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.83 (1980) NRCC No 17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

Artemia salina (brine shrimp) 50 mg/l toxic effect: 40% reduction in number of larvae hatched over 24 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.83 (1980) NRCC No.17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Gammarus fasciatus (scud) 0.21 mg/l/1500 hr. /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.82 (1980) NRCC No 17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE IS TOXIC TO SYNCHRONOUSLY DEVELOPING LARVAE OF THE BRINE SHRIMP, ARTEMIA. THE LD50 FOR 24 HR EXPOSURE WAS 30 UMOL (8 PPM). /CONDITIONS OF BIOASSAY NOT SPECIFIED/
[HUDSON ET AL; LIFE SCI 29 (18): 1865 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ACUTE TOXICITY (48 HR LC50 & EC50 (MEDIAN EFFECTIVE CONC) CHIRONOMOUS PLUMOSUS (MIDGE LARVAE) 0.76 MG/L 48 HR. /CONDITIONS OF BIOASSAY NOT SPECIFIED/
[STREUFERT ET AL; TRANS MO ACAD SCI 14 (0): 33 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Red-tide dinoflagellate (Gymnodinium breve) 0.3 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Brine shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) 30 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Crayfish (Orconectes nais) >10 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Scud (Gammarus pseudolimnaeus) 2.1 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) 0.7; 1.2 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay(s) not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Fathead minnows (pimephales promelas) 1.3 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) 6.5 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Red-tide dinoflagellate (Gymnodinium breve) 0.02-0.6 ppm /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Brine shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) Holt larvae 10-50 ppm/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

LC50 Brine shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) Holt larvae 0.1-1 ppm/17 d /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
[Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996.646]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

TSCA Test Submissions:

Effects on the liver and liver lipids were evaluated in groups of male and female Fischer 344 rats (5/sex/dose level) fed nominal levels of 0, 0.6, 1.2 or 2.5% di-n-butyl phthalate in the diet for 21 days. Toxicity was evident by statistical differences between dosed groups and controls for: mean body weights (2.5% and 1.2% group males & 2.5% group females), food consumption (2.5% group males & females), absolute and relative liver weights (all treated animals), relative kidney weights (1.2 and 2.5% group males & 2.5% group females) and absolute and relative testis weights (2.5% group males). There was a statistically significant decrease in serum cholesterol (all treated animals) and a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (all treated males), although these effects were not considered dose-related. Also observed was an significant increase in serum triglycerides for 2.5% group females. There was a moderate increase in peroxisome proliferation for the high dose animals. Liver biochemistry revealed statistically significant differences between treated and controls as indicated by cyanide-insensitive palmitoyl-CoA oxidation levels (1.2 and 2.5% group males & 2.5% group females), lauric acid 11- and 12- hydroxylase activities (all treated males & 2.5% group females) and total hepatic protein levels (0.6 and 1.2% group males, 1.2 and 2.5% group females). There was no consistent dose response relationship among treatment groups for lipid content in the liver. Histological changes attributable to di-n-butyl phthalate were reduction in cytoplasmic basophilia in the livers of the high dose rats and some of the 1.2% group males. Severe testicular atrophy was observed at the 2.5% dietary level.
[The British Industrial Biological Research Association; A 21-Day Feeding Study of Di-n-butyl Phthalate to Rats: Effects on the Liver and Liver Lipids, (1986), EPA Document No. 40+8626209, Fiche No. OTS0509545 ]**UNREVIEWED**

The toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate was evaluated in the mouse lymphoma L5178Y cell line in the presence and absence of rat liver S9 metabolic activation. All cultures were treated in duplicate with concentrations of 9.77, 19.50, 39.10, 78.10, 156.00, 313.00, 625.00, 1250.00, 2500.00 or 5000.00nl/ml, and growth was determined at 24 and 48 hours after initiation of the treatment. Under nonactivated conditions, di-n-butyl phthalate was soluble up to 5000nl/ml, and treatments at 78.10nl/ml were highly toxic (5.4% of average solvent (acetone) control suspension growth). Treatments at 156nl/ml were lethal to nonactivated cultures. Assays with metabolic activation appeared to be soluble at 5000nl/ml, but after 24 hours a precipitate was observed. Activated treatments at 1250nl/ml were lethal, and at 625nl/ml and 313nl/ml were highly toxic (less than 9% relative suspension growth).
[Litton Bionetics, Inc.; Evaluation of Di-n-butyl Phthalate in the Mouse Lymphoma Assay, Final Report, (1985), EPA Document No. 40-8526206, Fiche No. OTS0509537 ]**UNREVIEWED**

The ability of di-n-butyl phthalate to induce morphological transformation was evaluated in the Balb/c-3T3 A-31 mouse cell line (Cell Transformation Assay). Based on preliminary toxicity determinations (exposure time = 72hrs), di-n-butyl phthalate was tested at concentrations of 3.4, 13.7, 27.5, 55.0 or 82.3nl/ml, resulting in a range of 80% to 10% relative survival. None of the treatments produced significantly greater transformation frequencies (95% confidence level) relative to the negative control (culture medium).
[Litton Bionetics, Inc.; Evaluation of Di-n-butyl Phthalate in the In Vitro Transformation of Balb/3T3 Cells Assay, Final Report, (1985), EPA Document No. 40+8526206, Fiche No. OTS0509537 ]**UNREVIEWED**

The ability of di-n-butyl phthalate to induce specific locus mutations at the TK locus in cultured L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells (Mouse Lymphoma Mutagenicity Assay) was evaluated in the presence and absence of Aroclor-induced rat liver S-9 metabolic activation. Based on preliminary toxicity tests, 10 nonactivated cultures treated in duplicate with 15, 30, 40, 50 and 60nl/ml were cloned, producing a range of 85.4 - 18.5% relative growth. Ten S-9 activated cultures treated in duplicate with 12.5, 50, 75, 100 and 150nl/ml were cloned, producing a range of 120.6 - 7.0% relative growth. None of the nonactivated cultures produced mutant frequencies significantly greater than the solvent control (acetone). Activated cultures treated above 12.5nl/ml produced mutant frequencies significantly greater than the solvent control.
[Hazleton Biotechnologies Company; Mutagenicity of Di-N-Butyl Phthalate in a Mouse Lymphoma Mutation Assay, Final Report, (1986), EPA Document No. 40-8626246, Fiche No. OTS0510743 ]**UNREVIEWED**

Subchronic toxicity was evaluated in 3 Macacus rhesus monkeys (sex not reported) receiving oral gavage doses of 400, 800 or 1200 mg/kg dibutyl phthalate 2 to 3 times a week for periods of 9 to 13 weeks, and in 4 dogs (mixed breeds, sex not reported) receiving oral doses of 400, 800 or 1200 mg/kg dibutyl phthalate 2 to 3 times a week for periods of 8 to 11 weeks. Mortality was not observed in any animal at any dose level, and all animals exhibited normal behavior during the dosing period. One dog (dose group not specified) had reduced weight gain compared to control. The monkey receiving 1200 mg/kg test article had a reduced red blood cell count and decreased hemoglobin values when compared to control; while total white cell counts, and differential white cell counts were normal in all monkeys and dogs. The monkey treated at 1200 mg/kg had levels of dextrose in urine higher than control values in one blood test out of seven. Albumin was detected in 50% of the urine samples taken from the above animal and a second monkey that received 800 mg/kg test article; while urine values were normal for dogs at all treatment levels. Micropathological examination of liver, kidney and spleen sections revealed no abnormal cell structures in any animal at any dose level. Exact dosing schemes and statistical analyses were not reported.
[Henry Field Smyth Hygiene Laboratory; Investigation of Toxicity of Certain Plasticizers, Report No. 4: Chronic Toxicity to Large Animals (1932), EPA Document No. 878211711, Fiche No. OTS0205855]**UNREVIEWED**

Subchronic toxicity was evaluated in groups of 10 albino rats (5 males and 5 females) ingesting di-n-butyl phthalate via the diet at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 or 5% for 4 months. During treatment deaths were reported for male animals (2 at 1.0% and 1 at 0.1%) and female animals (1 each at 5, 1.0 and 0%). A decrease in body weight was observed in male and female rats at the 1% and 5% levels. Hematological observations at the 5% level included a slight decrease in the red blood cell count and a decrease in hemoglobin values in male rats; high white cell counts observed in males at all levels were suggested to be a result of a low grade respiratory infection. No effects on hematological parameters were observed in females. Substantial decreases in testes weight in male rats, and an increase in liver weights in male and female rats were observed in the 5% dose group; however, the decrease in testes weight was not attributed to the effect of di-isobutyl phthalate. Pathological effects were not evident in sections of liver and kidneys taken from animals exposed at any dose level. Statistical analyses were not performed.
[University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Preliminary Acute Toxicity Tests and Short Term Feeding Tests of Rats and Dogs Given Di-isobutyl Phthalate and Di-butyl Phthalate (1954), EPA Document No. 878210833, Fiche No. OTS0205995]**UNREVIEWED**

Subchronic toxicity was evaluated in 1 male and 1 female dog ingesting di-n-butyl phthalate via the diet at dose levels of 0.1 cc/kg (male) and 2.0 cc/kg (female) for 2 months. The percentages of sugar and protein in urine samples collected at the end of the treatment period were reported to be within normal values when compared to urine samples collected prior to treatment in both animals. A slight decrease in red blood cell counts, and an increase in hemoglobin values were observed in blood samples taken from the male dog during and after treatment when compared to samples taken before treatment; a similar effect was observed in the female dog, except that hemoglobin values were decreased. On necropsy, the weight of the liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, heart and spleen were reported to be within normal values in the male dog, however, the female dog exhibited increased liver weight. Chronic prostatitis was observed on histopathological examination of the male dog, while chronic pyelonephritis of the kidney, and a papillary cyst in the ovary was observed in the female animal. Control experiments and statistical analyses were not performed.
[University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Preliminary Acute Toxicity Tests and Short Term Feeding Tests of Rats and Dogs Given Di-isobutyl Phthalate and Di-butyl Phthalate (1954), EPA Document No. 878210833, Fiche No. OTS0205995]**UNREVIEWED**

 

Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:

 

 

Metabolism/Metabolites:

In vitro studies with pancreatic lipase indicated that DBP is metabolized along the same or parallel pathways for unsaturated fats. However, rats given DBP orally excreted the monobutyl ester as the principal metabolite in the urine with phthalic acid as the secondary metabolite.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. 6th ed. Volumes I, II, III. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH, 1991.400]**PEER REVIEWED**

/DIBUTYL PHTHALATE METAB IN RATS NOTED/ ... ONLY TRACES OF PARENT CMPD WERE FOUND IN THE EXCRETA, & MONOBUTYL PHTHALATE WAS THE MAJOR METABOLITE (70-80%). THE LATTER WAS MAINLY IN URINE, AS WERE TWO PRODUCTS OF OMEGA-OXIDATION ... (2-3%), & TWO OF (OMEGA-1)-OXIDATION ... (3-6%).
[The Chemical Society. Foreign Compound Metabolism in Mammals. Volume 4: A Review of the Literature Published during 1974 and 1975. London: The Chemical Society, 1977.239]**PEER REVIEWED**

THE MAJOR METABOLITES FOUND WERE THE MONOESTERS, PHTHALIC ACID, & A GROUP OF UNIDENTIFIED POLAR METABOLITES, PROBABLY CONJUGATES.
[WOFFORD ET AL; ECOTOXICOL ENVIRON SAF 5 (2): 202 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Main urinary metabolite of (14)C-dibutyl phthalate in the rat, guinea pig and hamster ... the monoester, MBP and its glucuronide. ... small amount of phthalic acid, unchanged DBP and omega and omega-1 oxidation products of MBP.
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.IV-8 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Metabolites found in rat urine after a single oral dose of (14)C-dibutyl phthalate included: phthalic acid, mono-butyl phthalate, mono-(3-hydroxy-butyl) phthalate, and mono-(4-hydroxy butyl) phthalate.
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.II-11 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:

DIBUTYL ... /PHTHALATE/, AFTER ORAL ADMIN TO RATS ... EXCRETED IN URINE PRIMARILY AS ... RESPECTIVE ... /MONOESTER/. SOME FREE ACID ... ALSO FOUND. ... /MONOESTER/ EXHIBITED GREATER TOXICITY THAN THE INITIAL COMPOUNDS, THE DIESTERS.
[Menzie, C. M. Metabolism of Pesticides, An Update. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish, Wild-life Service, Special Scientific Report - Wildlife No. 184, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, l974.296]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE ADMIN ORALLY TO RATS & MICE RAPIDLY ABSORBED & EXCRETED IN URINE & FECES WITHIN 48 HR. MAX CONCN IN BLOOD /SRP: NOT DBP ITSELF BUT A METABOLITE/ PLASMA & VARIOUS ORGANS @ 20-30 MIN; GREATER IN LIVER THAN FAT THAN SPLEEN.
[IOKU ET AL; OSAKA FURITSU KOSHU EISEI KENKYUSHO KENKYU HOKOKU, YAKUJI SHIDO HEN 10: 57 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE GIVEN ORALLY TO RATS WAS EXCRETED IN URINE 30.6-43.5% & IN FECES 20.0-22.0% IN 24 HR. AMT ABSORBED BY FETUSES WAS APPROX SAME AS BY FAT TISSUES.
[IOKU ET AL; OSAKA FURITSU KOSHU EISEI KENKYUSHO KENKYU HOKOKU, YAKUJI SHIDO HEN 10: 57 (1976)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the bile of rats after oral administration. ... A small part of the dose was absorbed intact through the intestine.
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.IV-2 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The presence of phthalate esters in the blood of individuals /who had/ ingested food /that/ had been in contact with flexible plastics ... dibutyl phthalate levels detected in the blood were much higher than prior to eating the food in the plastic packaging system ... dibutyl phthalate levels in blood /were/ 0.35 ppm ... compared to an average value of 0.02 ppm prior to the meals.
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.IV-2 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

No specific organ affinity /was observed/ in rats after a single /iv/ dose of (14)C-dibutyl phthalate. No apparent differences in the distribution pattern between dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate, although dibutyl phthalate had a lesser affinity for the liver. The (14)C distribution in the liver at one hr following intravenous injection of dibutyl phthalate was 6%, whereas, it was 76% for diethylhexyl phthalate. Dibutyl phthalate had a shorter retention than diethylhexyl phthalate in the heart, lung, and spleen. (14)C-diethylhexyl phthalate affinity for adipose appeared to be a little higher than that of dibutyl phthalate.
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.IV-5 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Of a single oral dose of dibutyl phthalate /administered to rats/, 80-90% is metabolized and excreted in the urine within 48 hr. Phthalic acid, monobutyl phthalate, mono(3-hydroxybutyl) phthalate and mono(4-hydroxybutyl) phthalate were identified as metabolites in the urine. Rats fed for 12 weeks on a diet containing dibutyl phthalate at 1 g/kg feed did not accumulate either dibutyl phthalate or monobutyl phthalate in tissues or organs.
[Williams DT, Blanchfield BJ; J Agric Food Chem 23 (5): 854-7 (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

The phthalic acid esters and/or their metabolites are readily absorbed from the intestinal tract, the intraperitoneal cavity, and the lung. There is also evidence indicating that these esters can be absorbed through the skin. /Phthalate esters/.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate esters p.C-12 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

The percutaneous absorption of a series of typical phthalate esters, dimethylphthalate, diethylphthalate, dibutyl phthalate, and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, was measured through human and rat epidermal membranes mounted in glass diffusion cells. The esters were applied directly to the epidermal membranes. Following application to the membranes, a lag phase followed by a linear phase of absorption was detected for each phthalate diester. Human skin was less permeable than rat skin for all four diesters. There appeared to be a trend to an increasing lag time with increasing molecular weight, but this relationship did not always hold true. The phthalate diesters were determined to have a 300 fold range of aqueous solubility and a wide range of lipophilicity. Once the diesters had contacted the human epidermal membrane, a slight increase in the permeability of the skin was detected. Relatively large changes in permeability were detected in the membrane following exposure.
[Scott RC et al; Environ Health Perspect 74: 223-27 (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Frequency of detection = 44% and max observed concn = 1700 ng/g /Broad scan analysis of composite specimens of human adipose tissue for the U.S. National Adipose Tissue Registry, Fiscal Year 1982; From table/
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology Volume 1. General Principles. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991.301]**PEER REVIEWED**

This study examined the extent of dermal absorption of a series of phthalate diesters in the rat. Those tested were dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, diisobutyl, dihexyl, di(2-ethylhexyl), diisodecyl, and benzyl butyl phthalate. Hair from a skin area (1.3 cm in diameter) on the back of male F344 rats was clipped, the 14(C)phthalate diester was applied in a dose of 157 mumol/kg, and the area of application was covered with a perforated cap. The rat was restrained and housed for 7 days in a metabolic cage that allowed separate collection of urine and feces. Urine and feces were collected every 24 hr, and the amount of (14)C excreted was taken as an index of the percutaneous absorption. At 24 hr, diethyl phthalate showed the greatest excretion (26%). As the length of the alkyl side chain increased, the amount of (14)C excreted in the first 24 hr decreased signficantly. The cumulative percentage dose excreted in 7 days was greatest for diethyl, dibutyl, and diisobutyl phthalate, about 50-60% of the applied (14)C; and intermediate (20-40%) for dimethyl, benzyl butyl, and dihexyl phthalate. Urine was the major route of excretion of all phthalate diesters except for diisodecyl phthalate. This compound was poorly absorbed and showed almost no urinary excretion. After 7 days, the percentage dose for each phthalate that remained in the body was minimal showed no specific tissue distribution. Most of the unexcreted dose remained in the area of application. These data show that the structure of the phthalate diester determines the degree of dermal absorption. Absorption maximized with diethyl phthalate and then decreased significantly as the alkyl side chain length increased.
[Elsisi AE et al; Fundam Appl Toxicol 12 (1): 70-7 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Interactions:

AN ANTAGONISTIC INTERACTION WAS OBSERVED IN HOUSEFLIES UPON SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF DI-2-ETHYLHEXYL PHTHALATE OR DIBUTYL PHTHALATE WITH 21 ORGANOPHOSPHATES.
[AL-BADRY MS, KNOWLES CO; ARCH ENVIRON CONTAM TOXICOL 9 (2): 147 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Adsorption of dimethyl, di-n-butyl, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates using everted gut sac preparation from rat small intestine /was studied/. Monoesters were absorbed more rapidly than corresponding diesters. Esterases of the mucosal epithelium hydrolyzed the diesters to mono esters during absorption. When esterase ... inhibited by an organo-phosphate, absorption of di-n-butyl phthalate was significantly reduced.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Doc (Update): Phthalate Esters (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Pharmacology:

 

 

Therapeutic Uses:

/FORMER USE:/ MITICIDAL AGENT FOR /CONTROL/ OF RICKETTSIAL INFECTIONS
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Interactions:

AN ANTAGONISTIC INTERACTION WAS OBSERVED IN HOUSEFLIES UPON SIMULTANEOUS APPLICATION OF DI-2-ETHYLHEXYL PHTHALATE OR DIBUTYL PHTHALATE WITH 21 ORGANOPHOSPHATES.
[AL-BADRY MS, KNOWLES CO; ARCH ENVIRON CONTAM TOXICOL 9 (2): 147 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Adsorption of dimethyl, di-n-butyl, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates using everted gut sac preparation from rat small intestine /was studied/. Monoesters were absorbed more rapidly than corresponding diesters. Esterases of the mucosal epithelium hydrolyzed the diesters to mono esters during absorption. When esterase ... inhibited by an organo-phosphate, absorption of di-n-butyl phthalate was significantly reduced.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Doc (Update): Phthalate Esters (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Fate & Exposure:

 

 

Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:

Dibutyl phthalate's production and use as a plasticizer, solvent for resins, fuel propellant and insect repellent has lead to its release to the environment through various waste streams. Based on a measured vapor pressure of 2.01X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C, dibutyl phthalate is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate-phase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dibutyl phthalate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals with an atmospheric half-life of about 42 hours. Particulate-phase dibutyl phthalate is removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Dibutyl phthalate is expected to have low mobility in soil based upon a measured log Koc value of 3.14. Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected based upon the vapor pressure of this compound. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected based upon the measured Henry's Law constant of 4.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole. Biodegradation of dibutyl phthalate is expected to occur under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions based upon numerous screening and river die-away tests. In water, dibutyl phthalate is expected to adsorb to sediment or particulate matter given its measured Koc value. This compound is expected to volatilize from water surfaces given its experimental Henry's Law constant. Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake are 14 and 105 days respectively. Hydrolysis may be an important environmental fate for this compound based upon an estimated hydrolysis half-life of 125 days at pH 8. The potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is considered low to moderate based upon experimental BCF values in the range of 12 to 117 measured in oysters, shrimp and fish. Occupational exposure may be through inhalation of dusts and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dibutyl phthalate is produced or used. The general population will be exposed to dibutyl phthalate via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with products containing dibutyl phthalate. (SRC)
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Probable Routes of Human Exposure:

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 370,025 workers (138,570 of these are female) are potentially exposed to dibutyl phthalate in the US(1). Occupational exposure may be through inhalation of dusts or vapors and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where dibutyl phthalate is produced or used. The general population may be exposed to dibutyl phthalate via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and drinking water, and dermal contact with products containing dibutyl phthalate(SRC).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Body Burden:

Human adipose tissue 0.10-0.30 ppm(1), 0.57-0.79 ppm(2). Detected in human tissue and blood(3). Dibutyl phthalate was detected, not quantified, in human adipose tissue(4).
[(1) Mes J et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 12: 721-5 (1974) (2) Mes J, Campbell DS; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 16: 53-60 (1976) (3) Overcash MR et al; Behavior of organic priority pollutants in the terrestrial system: di-n-butyl phthalate ester, toluene and 2,4-dintrophenol p.104 NTIS PB82-224-544 (1982) (4) USEPA; Superfund Record of Decision (EPA Region 5): Ionia City Landfill, Ionia, Michigan. (First Remedial Action, September 1989). USEPA-560/5-90-001 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Average Daily Intake:

AIR INTAKE: (assume 0-6 ng/cu m) 0-400 ng(1); WATER INTAKE: (assume 0-2.5 ug/l(2)) 20 ng-10,000 ng; FOOD INTAKE: insufficient data(SRC).
[(1) Kelly TJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 378-87 (1994) (2) Davies K; Adv Environ Sci Technol 23: 525-40 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Artificial Pollution Sources:

Dibutyl phthalate's production and use as a plasticizer(1), solvent for resins(1), fuel propellant(1) and insect repellent(2) may lead to its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
[(1) Lewis RJ; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. NY,NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., p. 374 (1993) (2) Budvari S; Merck Index, 12th ed, Whitehouse Station, NJ Merck & Co. p. 261 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Fate:

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1) and a log Koc value of 3.14 determined from measurements on soil samples from Broome County, NY(2,3), dibutyl phthalate is expected to have low mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization from dry soil surfaces is not expected based on the experimental vapor pressure of 2.01X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C(4). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected based on the measured Henry's Law constant of 4.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(5). Biodegradation is expected to occur under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions as indicated by several screening studies(6-9).
[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Kookana RS, Rogers SL; Rev Environ Contam Pollut 142: 13-64 (1995) (3) Russel DJ, McDuffie B; Chemosphere 15: 1003-21 (1986) (4) Donovan SF; J Chromatogr A 749: 123-29 (1996) (5) Roy WR; pp. 411-46 in Contam Groundwaters, Adrianao DC et al eds. Sci Rev: Northwood, UK (1994) (6) Battersby NS, Wilson V; Appl Environ Microbio 55: 433-39 (1989) (7) Ortego-Calvo JJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 29: 2222-25 (1995) (8) Wang J et al; Chemosphere 31: 4051-56 (1995) (9) Inman JC et al; J Environ Sci Health Part B Pestic Food Contam Agric Wastes 19: 245-57 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1) and a log Koc value of 3.14 determined from measurements on soil samples from Broome County, NY(2,3), dibutyl phthalate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Dibutyl phthalate is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(4,SRC) based on an experimental Henry's Law constant of 4.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(5). Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake are 14 and 125 days respectively(4,SRC). Biodegradation is expected to occur based upon aerobic and anaerobic river die-away studies(6-8). This compound is expected to hydrolyze in the environment with an estimated half-life of 125 days at pH 8(9,SRC). According to a classification scheme(10), the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is considered low to moderate based upon experimental BCF values of 12 for minnows(11) and 117 measured in fish(12).
[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983) (2) Kookana RS, Rogers SL; Rev Environ Contam Pollut 142: 13-64 (1995) (3) Russel DJ, McDuffie B; Chemosphere 15: 1003-21 (1986) (4) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-4, 5-10, 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (5) Roy WR; pp. 411-46 in Contam Groundwaters, Adrianao DC et al eds. Northwood, UK: Sci Rev (1994) (6) Ritsema R et al; Chemosphere 18: 2161-75 (1989) (7) Kondo M et al; Eisei Kagaku 34: 188-95 (1988) (8) Capel PD, Larson SJ; Chemosphere 30: 1097-1107 (1995) (9) Mill T et al; Environmental Fate and Exposure Studies Development of a PC-SAR for Hydrolysis: Esters, Alkyl Halides and Epoxides. EPA Contract No. 68-02-4254. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International (1987) (10) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (11) Wofford HW et al; Ecotox Environ Safety 5: 202-10 (1981) (12) Strier MP; Environ Sci Technol 14: 28-31 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), dibutyl phthalate, which has a measured vapor pressure of 2.01X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C(2), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase dibutyl phthalate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 42 hours(3,SRC). Particulate-phase dibutyl phthalate may be physically removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC).
[(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2) Donovan SF; J Chromatogr A 749: 123-29 (1996)(3) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Biodegradation:

Dibutyl phthalate is biodegraded in biodegradation tests utilizing sewage(3,4) and activated sludge(2,4) inoculum, as well as inoculum composed of sewage, soil, and natural waters(1). In a shake flask biodegradation test, after 28 days 68->99% of the dibutyl phthalate had disappeared and 80.6->99% was converted to CO2(4). The lag period averaged 4.5 days(4). 60-70% removal were reported in three treatment plants using activated sludge(5).
[(1) Sasaki S; pp. 283-98 in Aquatic Pollutants. Hutzinger O et al eds. Pergammon Press Oxford (1978) (2) Urushigawa Y, Yonezawa Y; Chemosphere 5: 317-20 (1979) (3) Tabak HH et al; J Water Pollut Control Fed 53: 1503-18 (1981) (4) Sugatt RH et al; Appl Environ Microbiol 47: 601-6 (1984) (5) Patterson JW, Kodukola PS; Chem Ind 15: 609-10 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

In Davidson clay loam and Lakeland sand, 98 and 66% loss occurred in 26 weeks, respectively as a result of biodegradation(1). While 86% removal of dibutyl phthalate in secondary sewage occurred in a well acclimated 2.5 m loamy sand soil column(2), no removal occurred in another laboratory study of a rapid infiltration site employing 1 m columns(3). The feed rate was greater in the first case and the acclimation may have been longer(SRC).
[(1) Overcash MR et al; Behavior of organic priority pollutants in the terrestrial system. NTIS PB82-224 544 p 104 (1982) (2) Bouwer EJ et al; Water Res 15: 151-9 (1981) (3) Hutchins SR et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 2: 195-216 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

100% degradation of dibutyl phthalate occurred in 4 days in water from an urban river in Japan and utilizing water from the Rhine, Meuse, and Ijssel Rivers(1) in the Netherlands, 90% degradation occurred in three days(3). In an aerobic pond water-sediment mixture, 97% degradation was noted in 5 days(2). The intermediate products of degradation were the mono-n-butyl ester and phthalic acid(2).
[(1) Hattori Y et al; Pollut Control Cent Ooaki Prefect Mizu Shori Gigutsu 16: 951-4 (1975) (2) Johnson BT, Lulves W; J Fish Res Board Can 32: 333-9 (1975) (3) Schouter MJ et al; Inter J Environ Anal Chem 7: 12-23 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Biodegradation under anaerobic conditions was slower with 41% and 98% degradation occurring after 7 and 30 days respectively in a sediment-pond water mixture(1). Dibutyl phthalate is completely mineralized in digester sludge in 2 weeks under anaerobic conditions(2) and 28% was lost after 7 days in a composting mixture(3).
[(1) Johnson BT, Lulves W; J Fish Res Board Can 32: 333-9 (1975) (2) Shelton DR et al; Environ Sci Tech 18: 93-7 (1984) (3) Snell Environ Group Inc; Rate of biodegradation of toxic organic compounds while in contact with organics which are actively composting NSF/CEE 82024 p 100 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

A synthetic waste feedstock degraded 94 percent of an initial concn of dibutyl phthalate in 12 days(1). Microbial cultures isolated from an industrial wastewater facility completely degraded dibutyl phthalate within 40 to 220 days depending upon the strain of the microorganisms used and concn of the dibutyl phthalate sample(2). Batch experiments using enriched microbial cultures completely degraded dibutyl phthalate in 15 hours(3). Enriched microbial cultures isolated from a wastewater treatment facility resulted in 85 percent degradation of a 200 mg/l sample of dibutyl phthalate in 90 days(4). Dibutyl phthalate was completely mineralized in digester sludge in 2 weeks under anaerobic conditions(5) and 28% was degraded after 7 days in a composting mixture(6). Dibutyl phthalate was completely degraded by Rhine River water within 10 days(7). A die-away test using river and seawater degraded 75-80 percent dibutyl phthalate in 3 days(8). In natural waters, the biodegradation half-life of dibutyl phthalate is estimated as 1-2 days(9). An aquifer slurry resulted in 9.2 percent mineralization of dibutyl phthalate in 27.5 hours(10).
[(1) Davis EM et al; in Biodeterioration Symp Oxley TA, Barry S eds NY,NY: Wiley-Interscience (1983) (2) Wang J et al; Chemosphere 31: 4051-56 (1995) (3) Wang X, Grady CPL; Wat Environ Res 67: 863-71 (1995) (4) Oconner OA et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 8: 569-76 (1989) (5) Shelton DR et al; Environ Sci Tech 18: 93-7 (1984) (6) Snell Environ Group Inc; Rate of biodegradation of toxic organic compounds while in contact with organics which are actively composting NSF/CEE 82024 p. 100 (1982) (7) Ritsema R et al; Chemosphere 18: 2161-75 (1989) (8) Kondo M et al; Eisei Kagaku 34: 188-95 (1988) (9) Capel PD, Larson SJ; Chemosphere 30: 1097-1107 (1995) (10) Ortego-Calvo JJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 29: 2222-25 (1995)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Factors affecting the decomposition of carboxyl-labeled (14)C phthalic acid, monobutyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were studied in soil incubation experiments conducted under laboratory conditions. A lag phase of 10-20 days occurred before soil microbes initiated metabolism of mono-butyl phthalate and DBP while phthalic acid was rapidly decomposed. Approximately 90% of DBP added to soils at rates of 0.1-0.4% was decomposed within 80 days under aerobic and anerobic conditions. Decomposition of DBP was enhanced in soils by increasing soil pH from 5.2 to 7.0, by adding organic matter and by elevating the temperature from 23 deg C to 30 deg C. Varying soil characteristics and the simultaneous addition of ammonium, CaCO3, or sewage sludge had little effect on the rate or extent of DBP degradation. The addition of DBP in sewage sludge or other waste materials to soils should not pose a long term persistence problem(1).
[(1) Inman JC et al; J Environ Sci Health Part B Pestic Food Contam Agric Wastes 19: 245-57 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Abiotic Degradation:

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of dibutyl phthalate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 8.71X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 42 hours at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). A base-catalyzed second order hydrolysis rate constant of 6.41X10-2 L/mol-sec (SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(2); this corresponds to half-lives of 1,241 and 125 days at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(2,SRC).
[(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99 (1993) (2) Mill T et al; Environmental Fate and Exposure Studies Development of a PC-SAR for Hydrolysis: Esters, Alkyl Halides and Epoxides. EPA Contract No. 68-02-4254. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International (1987)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Bioconcentration:

The log BCF of oysters exposed to 100 ug/l of dibutyl phthalate for 1 day was measured as 1.32(1). Experimental BCF values of 1,500, 31 and 3 were reported in shrimp(2). Experimental BCF values of 22 and 42 were reported for oysters(2). Experimental BCF values of 12(2) and 117(3) were reported for fathead minnows and bluegill fish respectively. According to a classification scheme(4), the BCF data suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to moderate(SRC).
[(1) Zaroogian GE et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 4: 3-12 (1985) (2) Giam CS et al; pp. 67-142 in Handbook of Environmental Chemistry; Anthropogenic Substances Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag (1984) (3) Strier MP; Environ Sci Technol 14: 28-31 (1980) (4) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Soil Adsorption/Mobility:

A log Koc value of 3.14 was determined from measurements on soil samples from Broome County, NY(1,2). An experimental log Koc of 3.05 was determined from unsaturated soil columns(3). According to a recommended classification scheme(4), these reported Koc values suggest that dibutyl phthalate has low mobility in soil(SRC).
[(1) Kookana RS, Rogers SL; Rev Environ Contam Pollut 142: 13-64 (1995) (2) Russel DJ, McDuffie B; Chemosphere 15: 1003-21 (1986) (3) Zurmuehl T et al; J Contam Hydrol 8: 111-33 (1991) (4) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Volatilization from Water/Soil:

The Henry's Law constant for dibutyl phthalate has been measured as 4.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(1). This value indicates that dibutyl phthalate is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2,SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 14 days(2,SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 114 days(2,SRC). This Henry's Law constant(1,SRC) indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Dibutyl phthalate is not expected to volatilize(SRC) from dry soil surfaces based on the measured vapor pressure of 2.01X10-5 mm Hg(3).
[(1) Roy WR; pp. 411-46 in Contam Groundwaters, Adrianao DC et al eds. Sci Rev: Northwood, UK (1994) (2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington,DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) Donovan SF; J Chromatogr A 749: 123-29 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Water Concentrations:

DRINKING WATER: Dibutyl phthalate was detected in 3 drinking water supplies in New Orleans, LA at concns of 0.1-0.36 ppb(1) and in a drinking water supply in NY at a concn of 470 ppb(2). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in 8 drinking water works in Japan(3) and at concns of 190-240 ppb in tap water from Japan(4). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in 12 of 14 drinking water supplies in England(5). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the drinking water supply of Toronto, Canada at a mean concn of 2.547 ug/l(6). Dibutyl phthalate was reported in the drinking water of Tokyo, Japan at a concn of 2.3 ug/l(7).
[(1) Keith LH et al; pp. 329-73 in Identification and analysis or organic pollutants in water. Keith LH ed. Ann Arbor,MI: Ann Arbor Press (1976) (2) Burmaster DE; Environ 24: 6-13, 33-6 (1982) (3) Horibe N et al; Gifu-Ken Eisi Kenkyusho Ho 19: 20-5 (1974) (4) Akiyama T et al; J UOCH 2: 285-300 (1980) (5) Fielding M et al; Organic micropollutants in drinking water. Water Res Ctr Medmenham UK TR-159 p. 49 (1981) (6) Davies K; Adv Environ Sci Technol 23: 525-40 (1990) (7) Giam CS et al; pp. 67-142 in Handbook of Environmental Chemistry; Anthropogenic Substances Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

GROUNDWATER: Groundwater underlying 2 rapid infiltration sites was contaminated with dibutyl phthalate at concns of 0.73-2.38 ppb(1). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in the groundwater of a landfill in Norman, OK(2). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in groundwater in Cape Cod, MA at concns of 0-450 ng/l(3).
[(1) Hutchins SR et al; Environ Toxicol Chem 2: 195-216 (1983) (2) Dunlap WJ et al; pp. 96-110 in Organic pollutants contributed to groundwater by a landfill USEPA-600/9-76-004 (1976) (3) Barber LB; pp. 73-120 in Sewage Contaminated Groundwater Cape Cod Massachusetts. Lesage S, Jackson RE eds, NY,NY: Marcel Dekker Inc (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SURFACE WATER: dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Delaware River (0.1-0.6 ppb)(1) the Tennessee River (42 ppb)(2), the St. Clair River (1-2 ppb)(3), Missouri River (0.09 ppb)(4) and the Monatiquote River (1-30 ppb)(5). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in Lake Erie (2 sites) 1 ppb(3), Lake Michigan (9 sites) 1-4 ppb(3) and Lake Huron (2 sites) 0.04-2 ppb(3,4). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Rhine and Meuse Rivers in the Netherlands at concns of 0-2.8 ppb(6). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Tama River (0.71-3.14 ppb)(7) and Shizuoka River in Japan (1.39 ppb average)(8). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Irwell and Etherow Rivers in England at concns of 6-33.5 ug/l(9). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Yssel River (2.5 ug/l) and the Rhine River (0.1-1.2 ug/l) in the Netherlands(10). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Klang River in Malaysia at concns of 0.8-4.8 ug/l(11). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in the Fox River in Wisconsin(12) and the Po and Lambro Rivers in Italy(13). Dibutyl phthalate was detected at concns of 114-2,116 ng/l in the Mersey Estuary in the UK(14).
[(1) Sheldon LS, Hites RA; Environ Sci Technol 12: 1188-94 (1978) (2) Goodley PC, Gordon M; NY Acad Sci 37: 11-5 (1976) (3) Konasewich D et al; States report on organic and heavy metal contaminants in the Lakes Erie, Michigan, Huron and Superior Basins. Great Lakes Qual Rev Board (1978) (4) Mayer FL et al; Nature 238: 411-3 (1972) (5) Hites RA; J Chromatogr Sci 11: 570-4 (1973) (6) Schouter MJ et al; Int J Environ Anal Chem 7: 13-23 (1979) (7) Morita M et al; Tokyo Toritsu Eisi Kenkyusho Kenkhyo Nempo 24: 357-62 (1973) (8) Shobuya S; pp 63-72 in Numazu Kozyo Koto Semmon Gakko Kankyu Hokoku (1979) (9) Fatoki OS, Vernon F; Sci Tot Environ 95: 227-32 (1990) (10) Ritsema R et al; Chemosphere 18: 2161-75 (1989) (11) Tan GH; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 54: 171-76 (1995) (12) Peterman PH, Delfino JJ; Biomed Environ Mass Spectrum 19: 755-70 (1990) (13) Cremonesi A et al; Org Micropollut Aquat Environ 6: 360-65 (1990) (14) Preston MR, Al-Omran LA; Marine Pollut Environ 17: 548-53 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

SEAWATER: dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Delta 9.5 ppb average; Gulf Coast 3.4-265 parts per trillion (74 parts per trillion average); open Gulf 3.0-133 parts per trillion (93 parts per trillion average)(1). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in the Dokai Bay, Japan(2).
[(1) Giam CS et al; Science 199: 419-21 (1978) (2) Terashi A et al; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 50: 348-55 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RAIN/SNOW: Ewewetak Atoll (North Pacific) 2.6-72.5 parts per trillion, 31 parts per trillion avg(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the precipitation over the Great Lakes at concns of 4-10 parts per trillion(1). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in water and particulate fractions of rain and snow in Norway(2) and Los Angeles(3). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in Antarctic snow at concns of 15-280 ng/l (surface snow) and 13-136 ng/l (deep snow)(4). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the rainfall of College Station, TX at a concn of 52.5 ng/l(5).
[(1) Eisenreich SJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 15: 30-8 (1981) (2) Lunde G et al; Organic micropollutants in precipitation in Norway SNSF Project FR-9176 p 17 (1977) (3) Kawamura K, Kaplan IR; Environ Sci Technol 17: 497-501 (1983) Desideri PG et al; J Environ Anal Chem 55: 33-46 (1994) (5) Atlas E, Giam CS; Water Air Soil Pollut 38: 19-36 (1988)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Effluent Concentrations:

An average concn of 428 ug/l of dibutyl phthalate was detected in the leachate of a wastewater treatment plant(1). The concn of dibutyl phthalate in the leachate of an industrial landfill was 0.035 mg/l and in a municipal landfill was 0.011 mg/l(2). Dibutyl phthalate is commonly found in landfill leachate at concns of 5-15 ug/l(3). Hazardous waste incinerators released 54 tons of dibutyl phthalate in the US in 1990(4). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified in the leachate of a Florida landfill(5). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the effluent of a waste incinerator in Germany at a concn of 7.66 ug/cu m(6). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the effluent of pulp mills at concns of 3 grams per ton of pulp(7). Dibutyl phthalate was detected at a concn of 0.25 ppb in the effluent of sewage in Phoenix, AZ(8). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the emissions of cigarette smoke (45 ppm) and wood smoke (8 ppm)(9). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in New York City wastewater at concns of 3-4 ug/l(10) and in the effluent of 3 publicly owned treatment works in NJ at concns of 5-103 ppb(11).
[(1) Bhattacharya SK et al; USEPA Risk Reduction Eng Lab, Cincinnati, OH USEPA/600/S2-89/026 (1990) (2) Brown KW, Donnelly KC; Haz Waste Haz Mater 5: 1-30 (1988) (3) Christensen TH et al; Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol 24: 194-202 (1994) (4) Dempsey CR; J Air Waste Manage Assoc 43: 1374-79 (1993) (5) Eckel WP et al; Ground Water 31: 801-804 (1993) (6) Jay K, Stieglitz L; Chemosphere 30: 1249-60 (1995) (7) Kookana RS, Rogers SL; Rev Environ Contam Pollut 142: 13-64 (1995) (8) Tomson MB et al; Water Res 15: 1109-16 (1981) (9) Otson R et al; pp. 667-85 in Polynuclar Hydrocarbons. Cooke M et al eds, Columbus,OH: Battelle Press (1991) (10) Stubin AI et al; Water Environ Res 68: 1037-44 (1996) (11) Clark LB et al; Res J WPCF 63: 104-13 (1991)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Sediment/Soil Concentrations:

Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the soil of an abandoned strip-mine in Pennsylvania at a concn of 10,600 ppm(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the sediment of the Klang River in Malaysia at concns of 67-637 ng/g(2). Dibutyl phthalate was detected at concns of 20-698 ng/g (3) and 0.092-260 ng/g(4) in the sediment of the Mersey Estuary in the UK. Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the sediment of the Usk River, England (8,000 ng/g), Rhine River, Netherlands (2,100 ng/g), Meuse River, Netherlands (500 ng/g), Ijssel River, Netherlands (1,100 ug/g), Lake Superior, Canada (100 ng/g), Lake Constance, Switzerland (200 ug/g) and the Chesapeake Bay (42 ug/g)(5).
[(1) ATSDR; Agency For Toxic substances and Disease Registry PB90-144106 (1990) (2) Tan GH; Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 54: 171-76 (1995) (3) Preston MR, Al-Omran LA; Marine Pollut Environ 17: 548-53 (1986) (4) Preston MR, Al-Omran LA; Environ Pollut 62: 183-93 (1989) (5) Giam CS et al; pp. 67-142 in Handbook of Environmental Chemistry: Anthropogenic Substances. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Atmospheric Concentrations:

URBAN AIR: Dibutyl phthalate was detected in Atwerp, Belgium (55-79 ng/cu m), College Station, TX (3.8 ng/cu m), Houston, TX (6.2 ng/cu m), La Paz Bolivia (19-36 ng/cu m), New York city (4 ng/cu m) and Osaka, Japan (25-192 ng/cu m)(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in New York city at concns of 3.3-5.7 ng/cu m and College Station, TX at concns of 0.48-3.60 ng/cu m(2). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in 3 locations in the US at concns of 0.5-6 ng/cu m(3) and in Portland, OR at a concn of 0.37 ng/cu m(4).
[(1) Giam CS et al; pp. 67-142 in Handbook of Environmental Chemistry; Anthropogenic Substances. Berling, Germany: Springer-Verlag (1984) (2) Kelly TJ et al; Ambient concn summaries for clean air act. Title III. Hazardous air pollutants. USEPA Contract 68-D80082, USEPA/600/R-94/090 (1993) (3) Kelly TJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 28: 378-87 (1994) (4) Thuren A, Larsson P; Environ Sci Technol 24: 554-59 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

RURAL/REMOTE: Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the atmosphere over the Great Lakes at concns of 0.5-5.0 ng/cu m(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the Sterling Forest,NY and Barrow,AK at concns of 1 ng/cu m(2). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in the air of the Pacific Ocean (0.87 ng/cu m)(3), Atlantic Ocean (1 ng/cu m)(2) and the Gulf of Mexico (0.3-1.3 ng/cu m)(2). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in rural locations in Texas at concns of less than 0.2 ng/cu m to 2.1 ng/cu m(4).
[(1) Eisenreich SJ et al; Environ Sci Technol 15: 30-8 (1981) (2) Giam CS et al; pp. 67-142 in Handbook of Environmental Chemistry; Anthropogenic Substances. Berlin,Germany: Springer-Verlag (1984) (3) Thuren A, Larsson P; Environ Sci Technol 24: 554-59 (1990) (4) Atlas E, Giam CS; Water Air Soil Pollut 38: 19-36 (1988)]**PEER REVIEWED**

INDOOR AIR: Dibutyl phthalate particulates were detected at office buildings in the US at an average concn of 1 ng/cu m(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected at 3 locations in a building in the US exhibiting sick building syndrome at concns of 1.2, 5.9 and 4 ug/cu m(2).
[(1) Weschler CJ, Shields HC; in Proc APCA Annu Meet 79: 12 (1986) (2) Weschler CJ et al; Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 51: 261-68 (1990)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Food Survey Values:

Canned tuna (Canada) 0-78 ppb, canned salmon (Canada) <37 ppb(1). Egg white (Japan-retail stores) <150 ppb(2). Fresh and processed food in Japan: meat 100 ppb average, fish 180 ppb average, eggs 80 ppb average with 70% of samples positive(3). Dibutyl phthalate is used as a plasticizer in food wrappings and food containers and it can migrate from the plastic packaging into foods(4). It has been estimated that 150 mg of dibutyl phthalate will migrate into 1 kg cheese with 15% fat content(4). Cereal, gelatin, corn starch and casein components of commercial fish food 20-30 ppb(5).
[(1) Williams DT; J Agric Food Chem 21: 1128-9 (1973) (2) Ishida M et al; J Agric Food Chem 29: 72 (1981) (3) Ishikawa K et al; Miyagi-ken Eisi Kenkyusho Nempo p.105-11 (1975) (4) Overcash MR et al; Behavior of organic priority pollutants in the terrestrial system: di-n-butyl phthalate ester, toluene and 2,4-dinitrophenol p.104 NTIS PB82-224-544 (1982) (5) Mathur SP; J Environ Qual 3: 189-97 (1974)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified in bacon(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in vodka (28-204 ppb)(2) and in 1 of 234 ready to eat food products at a concn of 2.5 ug/g(3). Dibutyl phthalate was identified, not quantified, in the volatiles of beef, mutton and chicken(4). In Japan, dibutyl phthalate was detected in fresh and processed meat (100 ppb average), fish (180 ppb average) and eggs (80 ppb average) with 70 percent of samples positive(5).
[(1) Ho CT et al; J Agric Food Chem 31: 336-42 (1983) (2) Leibowitz JN et al; J AOAC Inter 78: 730-35 (1995) (3) Paul TG, Woodson BL; Chem Contam Monit 78: 614-31 (1995) (4) Shahidi F et al; CRC Crit Rev Food Sci Nature 24: 141-243 (1986) (5) Ishikawa K et al; Miyagi-ken Eisi Kenkyusho Nempo p. 105-11 (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Fish/Seafood Concentrations:

Clams - 2 sites Portland, Me 40 and 100 ppb; Neanthes virens - 2 sites Portland, Me 70 and 180 ppb(1). Not detected (<0.1 ppb) in 18 species of marine organisms from 14 locations in Mississippi Delta and coastal areas in NW part of the Gulf of Mexico(2). Detected, not quantified in White sucker, longnose sucker and yellow perch from Nepugin Bay, Lake Superior(3), in burbot from 2 sites in Lake Huron(4). Lake Superior (adjacent to Isle Royale, MI): fat siscowet trout trace, lean lake trout 200 ppb, white fish 70 ppb(5). Selected areas of North America: channel catfish 0-200 ppb, dragonfly niads 200 ppb, tadpoles 500 ppb(6).
[(1) Ray LE et al; Chemosphere 12: 1031-8 (1983) (2) Giam CS et al; Science 199: 419-21 (1978) (3) Kaiser KLE; J Fish Res Board Can 34: 850-5 (1977) (4) Konasewich D et al; Status report on organic and heavy metal contaminants in the Lake Erie, Michigan, Huron and Superior Basins. Great Lakes Qual Rev Board (1978) (5) Swain WR; J Great Lakes Res 4: 398-407 (1978) (6) Mayer FL et al; Nature 238: 411-3 (1972)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutyl phthalate was detected in edible fish from Wisconsin lakes and rivers at concns of less than 0.02 mg/kg to 35.0 mg/kg(1). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in fish at concns of 0.598 ppm(2). Dibutyl phthalate was detected in canned tuna at concns of 0-78 ppb and canned salmon at concns of less than 37 ppb in Canada(3). Dibutyl phthalate was detected, not quantified in white sucker, longnose sucker and yellow perch from Nepugin Bay, Lake Superior(4), and in burbot from 2 sites in Lake Huron(5).
[(1) Devault DS; Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 14: 587-94 (1985) (2) Nicola RM et al; J Environ Health 49: 342-47 (1987) (3) Williams DT; J Agric Food Chem 21: 1128-9 (1973) (4) Kaiser KLE; J Fish Res Board Can 34: 850-5 (1977) (5) Konasewich D et al; Status report on organic and heavy metal contaminants in the Lake Erie, Michigan, Huron and Superior Basins. Great Lakes Qual Rev Board (1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Animal Concentrations:

Dibutyl phthalate was detected in double crested cormorants and herring gulls at concns of 11-19 ug per g lipid(1).
[(1) Zitko V; Int J Environ Anal Chem 2: 241-52 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Milk Concentrations:

Not detected in milk in Japan(1).
[(1) Ishikawa K et al; Miyagi-ken Eisi Kenkyusho Nempo p.105-11 (1975)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Environmental Standards & Regulations:

 

 

FIFRA Requirements:

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Dibutyl phthalate is found on List C. Case No: 3112; Case Status: OPP is reviewing data from the pesticide's producers regarding its human health and/or environmental effects, or OPP is determining the pesticide's eligibility for reregistration and developing the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): Dibutyl phthalate; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled.
[USEPA/OPP; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration and Special Review p.270 (Spring, 1998) EPA 738-R-98-002]**QC REVIEWED**

 

TSCA Requirements:

A testing consent order is in effect for di-n-butyl phthalate for environmental effects testing. FR citation: 1/9/89.
[40 CFR 799.5000 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester is included on this list.
[40 CFR 716.120 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

CERCLA Reportable Quantities:

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
[40 CFR 302.4 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

RCRA Requirements:

U069; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
[40 CFR 261.33 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Atmospheric Standards:

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Dibutyl phthalate is included on this list.
[Clean Air Act as amended in 1990, Sect. 112 (b) (1) Public Law 101-549 Nov. 15, 1990]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Clean Water Act Requirements:

Protection of human health from the toxic properties of dibutyl phthalate ingested through water and contaminated organisms, the ambient water criterion is calculated at 34 mg/l.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Doc: Phthalate Esters p.vii (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**QC REVIEWED**

For the protection of human health from the toxic properties of dibutyl phthalate ingested through contaminated aquatic organisms alone, the ambient water criterion is determined to be 154 mg/l.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate Esters p.vii (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**QC REVIEWED**

 

State Drinking Water Guidelines:

(ME) MAINE 220 ug/l
[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**

(FL) FLORIDA 700 ug/l
[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**

(MN) MINNESOTA 700 ug/l
[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**

(NH) NEW HAMPSHIRE 800 ug/l
[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**

(WI) WISCONSIN 100 ug/l
[USEPA/Office of Water; Federal-State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines (11/93)]**QC REVIEWED**

 

FDA Requirements:

Dibutyl phthalate is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
[21 CFR 175.105 (4/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Chemical/Physical Properties:

 

 

Molecular Formula:

C16-H22-O4
**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Molecular Weight:

278.35
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-39]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Color/Form:

COLORLESS TO FAINT YELLOW VISCOUS LIQUID
[Martin, H. and C.R. Worthing (eds.). Pesticide Manual. 4th ed. Worcestershire, England: British Crop Protection Council, 1974.167]**PEER REVIEWED**

Colorless to faint yellow, oily liquid.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-116. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, June 1994.94]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Odor:

SLIGHT CHARACTERISTIC ESTER ODOR
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

Slight, aromatic odor.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-116. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, June 1994.94]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Taste:

TASTE STRONG & BITTER
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986.317]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Boiling Point:

340 deg C
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Melting Point:

-35 DEG C
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-39]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Critical Temperature & Pressure:

CRITICAL TEMP: 932 DEG F= 500 DEG C= 773 DEG K; CRITICAL PRESSURE: 250 PSIA= 17 ATM= 1.7 MN/SQ M
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Density/Specific Gravity:

1.0465 @ 20 DEG C
[Lide, D.R. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 76th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1995-1996.3-39]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Heat of Combustion:

-13,300 BTU/LB= -7400 CAL/G= -310X10+5 JOULES/KG
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Heat of Vaporization:

17,747.0 cal/mole
[Weast, R.C. (ed.) Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 68th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1987-1988.C-430]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:

log Kow= 4.9
[Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995.144]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Solubilities:

VERY SOL IN ACETONE, BENZENE, ALCOHOL, ETHER
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOL IN MOST ORG SOLVENTS & OILS
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

0.001% IN WATER @ 30 DEG C
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

13 mg/l at 25 deg C in water
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.I-3 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

In water, 11.2 + or - 0.003 mg/l at 20 deg C.
[Howard PH et al; Environ Tox and Chem 4: 653-61 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Spectral Properties:

INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.4900 @ 20 DEG C/D
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

MAX ABSORPTION (ALCOHOL): 226 NM (LOG E= 3.98); 272 NM (LOG E= 3.18)
[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979.C-436]**PEER REVIEWED**

SADTLER REFERENCE NUMBER: 285 (IR, GRATING)
[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979.C-436]**PEER REVIEWED**

225 nm max methanol.
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.31 (1980) NRCC No. 17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

274 max methanol.
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.31 (1980) NRCC No. 17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

IR: 1902 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Prism Collection)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V2 112]**PEER REVIEWED**

UV: 529 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V2 112]**PEER REVIEWED**

NMR: 721 (Sadtler Research Laboratories Spectral Collection)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V2 112]**PEER REVIEWED**

MASS: 1851 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.V2 112]**PEER REVIEWED**

Intense mass spectral peaks: 149 m/z (100%), 86 m/z (18%), 57 m/z (18%), 223 m/z (17%)
[Hites, R.A. Handbook of Mass Spectra of Environmental Contaminants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc., 1985.23]**PEER REVIEWED**

Intense mass spectral peaks: 205 m/z, 222 m/z, 278 m/z
[Pfleger, K., H. Maurer and A. Weber. Mass Spectral and GC Data of Drugs, Poisons and their Metabolites. Parts I and II. Mass Spectra Indexes. Weinheim, Federal Republic of Germany. 1985.474]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Surface Tension:

LIQUID SURFACE TENSION: 34 DYNES/CM= 0.034 N/M @ 20 DEG C
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Vapor Density:

9.58 (air= 1)
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982.2345]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Vapor Pressure:

2.01X10-5 mm Hg at 25 deg C
[Donovan SF; J Chromatogr A 749: 123-129 (1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Viscosity:

0.203 poise at 20 deg C
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993374]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Other Chemical/Physical Properties:

DISTILLATION RANGE: 227-235 DEG C @ 37 MM HG; WT/GAL: 8.72 LB @ 68 DEG F
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993374]**PEER REVIEWED**

MORE SOL IN /PERSPIRATION/ THAN IN WATER & INCR SOL WITH PH RISE
[ITO ET AL; AICHI IKA DAIGAKU IGAKKAI ZASSHI 7 (3): 183 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Alkaline hydrolysis rate of di-n-butylphthalate in a solvent water-toluene binary mixture at 25 deg C was <3.0 x 10-8 sec -1 (NaOH concn 0.186 M).
[Tomita A et al; J Amer Chem Soc 99: 5725-8 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**

LIQUID-WATER INTERFACIAL TENSION: 27 DYNES/CM= 0.027 N/M @ 22.7 DEG C
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

CONVERSION FACTORS: 11.36 MG/CU M= APPROX 1 PPM
[Clayton, G. D. and F. E. Clayton (eds.). Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology: Volume 2A, 2B, 2C: Toxicology. 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley Sons, 1981-1982.2345]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor pressure= 14 mm Hg at 200 deg C
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.I-3 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor pressure= 1.1 mm Hg at 150 deg C
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993374]**PEER REVIEWED**

Vapor pressure= .14 x 10(E-4)torr at 25 deg C
[Giam CS et al; Atmos Environ 14: 65-9 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

/Butyl/ phthalate esters have low volatility at room temperatures. /Butyl phthalate esters/
[USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report p.I-5 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Henry's Law constant = 4.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole
[Roy WR; pp. 411-46 in Contam Groundwaters. Adrianao DC et al eds. Northwood,UK: Sci Rev (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Chemical Safety & Handling:

 

 

Hazards Summary:

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of dibutyl phthalate stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact), exposure to this colorless-to-yellow, oily liquid may occur from its use as a plasticizer or solvent in lacquers, elastomers, chlorinated rubbers, polyvinyl acetate, explosives, nail polish, perfumes, resins, printing inks, paper coatings, and adhesives. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, dermatitis, nausea, and dizziness. Both the OSHA PEL and the ACGIH TLV have been set at 5 mg/cu m. Odor thresholds have been found as low as 0.26 mg/cu m. Ventilation should be used to maintain acceptable levels. In activities where over-exposure may occur, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. If contact should occur, immediately flush affected skin and eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. While dibutyl phthalate does not ignite easily, it may burn with the production of irritating or poisonous gases. Fires involving dibutyl phthalate may be extinguished with dry chemical, CO2, or Halon. Standard foam or water fog, if used, should be applied with caution, as each may cause violent frothing. Dibutyl phthalate may be shipped via air, rail, road, and water. If small amounts of dibutyl phthalate should spill, take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent and place into containers for later disposal. For large spills, first dike far ahead of the area with soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete, then absorb bulk material with fly ash or cement powder. For large spills in bodies of water, first use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill motion, then apply detergent, soap, or alcohols to thicken material. Apply "universal" gelling agent and remove trapped material with suction hoses. If dissolved, apply activated charcoal, and use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses. Before implementing land disposal of waste dibutyl phthalate, consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance. Also, dibutyl phthalate is a good candidate for liquid injection, rotary kiln, and fluidized bed forms of incineration.
**PEER REVIEWED**

 

DOT Emergency Guidelines:

Fire or explosion: Some may burn but none ignite readily. Those substance designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

Health: Inhalation of material may be harmful. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Inhalation of asbestos dust may have a damaging effect on the lungs. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate spill or leak area immediately for at least 10 to 25 meters (30 to 80 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

Evacuation: Fire: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

Fire: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam. Large fires: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Do not scatter spilled material with high pressure water streams. Dike fire-control water for later disposal. Fire involving tanks: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from engulfed in fire tanks.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

Spill or leak: Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. Avoid inhalation of asbestos dust. Small dry spills: With clean shovel place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area. Small spills: Take up with sand or other noncombustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal. Large spills: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.
[U.S. Department of Transportation. 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook. RSPA P 5800.8 Edition. Washington, D.C: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000,p. G-171]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Odor Threshold:

In humans, an olfactory threshold value ranging from 0.26 to 1.47 mg/cu m /was found/.
[USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Phthalate esters p.C-27 (1980) EPA 440/5-80-067]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.
[Department of Transportation. Emergency Response Guidebook 1987. DOT P 5800.4. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1987.G-31]**PEER REVIEWED**

CONTACT WITH SURFACE OF ... EYES ... BY ACCIDENTAL DROPLET SPLASH AS WELL AS BY EXPTL APPLICATION ... HAS CAUSED ... SEVERE STINGING PAIN. PAIN STIMULATES PROFUSE TEARING ...
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986.317]**PEER REVIEWED**

Caution: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of upper respiratory tract and stomach.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

NFPA Hazard Classification:

Health: 0. 0= Materials that, on exposure under fire conditions, offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-33]**QC REVIEWED**

Flammability: 1. 1= This degree includes materials that must be preheated before ignition will occur, such as Class IIIB combustible liquids and solids and semi-solids whose flash point exceeds 200 deg F (93.4 deg C), as well as most ordinary combustible materials. Water may cause frothing if it sinks below the surface of the burning liquid and turns to steam. However, a water fog that is gently applied to the surface of the liquid will cause frothing that will extinguish the fire.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-33]**QC REVIEWED**

Reactivity: 0. 0= This degree includes materials that are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and that do not react with water. Normal fire fighting procedures may be used.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-33]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Flammable Limits:

LOWER: 0.5% BY VOL @ 456 DEG F (235 DEG C)
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-33]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Flash Point:

315 DEG F (157 DEG C) CLOSED CUP
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-33]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Autoignition Temperature:

757 DEG F (402 DEG C)
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 325-33]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Fire Fighting Procedures:

EXTINGUISH WITH DRY CHEMICALS ... OR CARBON DIOXIDE.
[U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.]**PEER REVIEWED**

/Wear/ self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.4]**PEER REVIEWED**

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.177]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Toxic Combustion Products:

THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF DIBUTYL PHTHALATE WAS CARRIED OUT IN A FLOW SYSTEM @ 250-500 DEG C. THE MAJOR PRODUCTS WERE 1-BUTENE, BUTANOL & PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE. SRP: PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE IS VERY IRRITATING AND ALLERGENIC.
[SAIDO ET AL; EISEI KAGAKU 27 (1): 16 (1981)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Hazardous Reactivities & Incompatibilities:

LIQUID CHLORINE REACTS EXPLOSIVELY WITH DIBUTYL PHTHALATE.
[Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 12 ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1997. 491-53]**QC REVIEWED**

Nitrates; strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids; liquid chlorine.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.94]**QC REVIEWED**

A mixture of the ester /dibutyl phthalate/ and liquid chlorine confined in a stainless steel bomb reacted explosively at 118 deg C.
[Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990998]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Hazardous Decomposition:

When heated to decomp it emits acrid smoke and fumes.
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.1081]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:

4000 mg/cu m
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.94]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Protective Equipment & Clothing:

USE WITH /ADEQUATE/ VENTILATION ... SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD BE WORN IN ANY TYPE OF INDUSTRIAL OPERATION.
[Farm Chemicals Handbook 87. Willoughby, Ohio: Meister Publishing Co., 1987.C-86]**PEER REVIEWED**

Respiratory protection for dibutyl phthalate includes the following conditions: particulate concentration at 250 mg/cu m or less: a high efficiency particulate filter respirator with a full facepiece or any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood or any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece; 9300 mg/cu m or less: Type-C supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood operated in continuous-flow mode; greater than 9,300 cu m or entry and escape from unknown concentrations: self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode or a combination respirator which includes a type-C supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure or continuous-flow mode and an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode; firefighting: self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.4]**PEER REVIEWED**

For di-n-butyl phthalate, breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for butyl rubber. For di-n-butyl phthalate, breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for neoprene. For di-n-butyl phthalate, breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for nitrile rubber. For di-n-butyl phthalate, breakthrough times greater than one hour reported by (normally) two or more testers for viton. There is some data for di-n-butyl phthalate suggesting breakthrough of approximately an hour or more for polyvinyl alcohol.
[ACGIH; Guidelines Select of Chem Protect Clothing Volume #1 Field Guide p.45 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 50 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any dust and mist respirator with a full facepiece.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 125 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous flow mode. Eye protection needed. Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter. Eye protection needed.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 250 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Max concn for use: 4000 mg/cu m. Respirator Class(es): Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Emergency or planned entry into unknown concn or IDLH conditions: Respirator Class(es): Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

Recommendations for respirator selection. Condition: Escape from suddenly occurring respiratory hazards: Respirator Class(es): Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Preventive Measures:

VENTILATION CONTROL: THE SYNTHESIS OF PHTHALATES REQUIRE GOOD VENTILATION IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF AIR WITH PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE OR ALCOHOLS. /PHTHALATES/
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Volumes I and II. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1971.1059]**PEER REVIEWED**

Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.95]**QC REVIEWED**

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
**PEER REVIEWED**

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.177]**PEER REVIEWED**

Personnel protection: Personnel protection: Avoid breathing vapors or dusts. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.177]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Stability/Shelf Life:

EXCELLENT STABILITY TO LIGHT
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Cleanup Methods:

1) REMOVE ALL IGNITION SOURCES. 2) VENTILATE AREA ... 3) FOR SMALL QUANT, ABSORB ON PAPER TOWELS. EVAPORATE IN A SAFE PLACE (SUCH AS FUME HOOD). ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR EVAPORATING VAPORS TO COMPLETELY CLEAR HOOD DUCTWORK. BURN PAPER IN A SUITABLE LOCATION ... LARGE QUANT ... ATOMIZED IN ... COMBUSTION CHAMBER.
[Mackison, F. W., R. S. Stricoff, and L. J. Partridge, Jr. (eds.). NIOSH/OSHA - Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123 (3 VOLS). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, Jan. 1981.3]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental considerations-land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.178]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental considerations - air spill: Apply water spray or mist to knock down vapors.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.178]**PEER REVIEWED**

Environmental considerations-water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill motion. Use surface active agent (eg detergent, soaps, alcohols) to compress and thicken spilled material. Inject "universal" gelling agent to solidify encircled spill and increase effectiveness of booms. Remove trapped material with suction hoses if dissolved, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, DC: Association of American Railroads, Bureau of Explosives, 1994.178]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Disposal Methods:

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U069, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
[40 CFR 240-280, 300-306, 702-799 (7/1/96)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Good candidate for incineration by liquid injection with a temperature of 650-1600 deg C with a residence time of 0.1-2 seconds; rotary kiln with a temperature of 820-1,600 deg C with a residence time for liquids and gases: seconds, solids: hours; fluidized bed with a temperature of 450-980 deg C with a residence time for liquids and gases: seconds, solids: longer.
[USEPA; Engineering Handbook for Hazardous Waste Incineration p.3-12 (1981) EPA 68-03-3025]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Treatability of Dibutyl Phthalate; Concentration Process: Activated Carbon; Chemical Classification: Phthalates; Scale of Study: Batch flow, Laboratory scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure compound (one solute in a solvent); Results of Study: 100% reduction; 38% desorbed from carbon by elutriation with solvent; (Calgon FS-300 used. Solvents included pentane-acetone, diethyl ether, methylene chloride-acetone, chloroform-acetone, and acetone.)
[USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p.E-179 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Chemical Treatability of Dibutyl Phthalate; Concentration Process: Resin Adsorption; Chemical Classification: Phthalates; Scale of Study: Batch flow, Laboratory Scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Pure compound (one solute in a solvent; Results of Study: 100% reduction; 108% desorbed from resin by elutriation with solvent. (Amberlite XAD-2 used. Solvents included pentane- acetone, diethyl ether, methylene chloride-acetone, chloroform-acetone, and acetone.)
[USEPA; Management of Hazardous Waste Leachate, EPA Contract No. 68-03-2766 p.E-200 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Dibutylphthalate may be disposed of: 1) By adsorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material and disposing in a secured sanitary landfill. 2) By atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber. Combustion may be improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent. Recommendable methods: Adsorption, landfill & incineration.
[United Nations. Treatment and Disposal Methods for Waste Chemicals (IRPTC File). Data Profile Series No. 5. Geneva, Switzerland: United Nations Environmental Programme, Dec. 1985.258]**PEER REVIEWED**

After material has been contained, use an absorbent on the material. Collect material, sorbent, and contaminated soil, place in lined metal drums, and ship back to the supplier. Material may be incinerated in a chemical incinerator or buried in a specially designated chemical landfill.
[Prager, J.C. Environmental Contaminant Reference Databook Volume 2. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996.776]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Occupational Exposure Standards:

 

 

OSHA Standards:

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m.
[29 CFR 1910.1000 (7/1/98)]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Threshold Limit Values:

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 5 mg/cu m.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs & BEIs: Threshold limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices for 2002. Cincinnati, OH. 2002.26]**QC REVIEWED**

Excursion Limit Recommendation: Excursions in worker exposure levels may exceed three times the TLV-TWA for no more than a total of 30 min during a work day, and under no circumstances should they exceed five times the TLV-TWA, provided that the TLV-TWA is not exceeded.
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. TLVs & BEIs: Threshold limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices for 2002. Cincinnati, OH. 2002.6]**QC REVIEWED**

 

NIOSH Recommendations:

Recommended Expousre Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m.
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.94]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health:

4000 mg/cu m
[NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140. Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997.94]**QC REVIEWED**

 

Other Occupational Permissible Levels:

MAC USSR 0.5 mg/cu m
[International Labour Office. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Vols. I&II. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, 1983.1690]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Manufacturing/Use Information:

 

 

Major Uses:

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."
[USEPA/OPP; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration and Special Review p.270 (Spring, 1998) EPA 738-R-98-002]**QC REVIEWED**

INSECT REPELLANT FOR IMPREGNATION OF CLOTHING
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

AS MANOMETER FLUID
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, 1986.317]**PEER REVIEWED**

SOLVENT FOR CHLORINATED RUBBER
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

PLASTICIZER IN NITROCELLULOSE LACQUERS, ELASTOMERS, EXPLOSIVES, NAIL POLISH & SOLID ROCKET PROPELLANTS; SOLVENT FOR PERFUME OILS; PERFUME FIXATIVE; IN TEXTILE LUBRICATING AGENT; IN SAFETY GLASS; IN PRINTING INKS; RESIN SOLVENT; PAPER COATINGS; IN ADHESIVES
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993374]**PEER REVIEWED**

/AN/ ... INSECT REPELLANT, IN GENERAL NOT AS EFFECTIVE AS DIMETHYL PHTHALATE EXCEPT TO TROMBICULID MITES.
[Martin, H. and C.R. Worthing (eds.). Pesticide Manual. 4th ed. Worcestershire, England: British Crop Protection Council, 1974.167]**PEER REVIEWED**

IT ENTERS INTO COMPOSITION OF LEATHER VARNISHES & MIXED LACQUERS ... DIBUTYL PHTHALATE IS COMPATIBLE WITH MOST PIGMENTS & IS OFTEN USED WITH CASTOR OIL FOR GRINDING COLORING MATTERS INTENDED FOR INCORPORATION IN FILMS OR PLASTIC MASSES.
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

Component used in fuel matrix of double base rocket propellant.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present.V10 69]**PEER REVIEWED**

Used in the measurement of void volume (a method of structure analysis) for carbon blacks.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present.V4 1045]**PEER REVIEWED**

As a desensitizing agent for nitroglycerin (makes it stable for transport).
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present.V10 21]**PEER REVIEWED**

PLASTICIZER FOR POLYVINYL ACETATE EMULSIONS
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

COMPONENT OF PVC PLASTISOL FOR CARPET BACKCOATING
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

PLASTICIZER FOR OTHER SPECIALIZED VINYL COMPOUNDS
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

... Used as a reaction media for chemical reactions.
[Association of American Railroads. Emergency Handling of Hazardous Materials in Surface Transportation. Washington, D.C.: Assoc. of American Railroads, Hazardous Materials Systems (BOE), 1987.119]**PEER REVIEWED**

Component in elastic impression materials used by dentists.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York, NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present.V7 1002]**PEER REVIEWED**

USED AS A CHIGGER REPELLANT BY IMPREGNATION OF CLOTHING, BEING SOMEWHAT LESS VOLATILE THAN DIMETHYL PHTHALATE & MORE RESISTANT TO LAUNDERING, ITS MAIN USE IS FOR IMPREGNATION OF CLOTHING ...
[Farm Chemicals Handbook 87. Willoughby, Ohio: Meister Publishing Co., 1987.C-86]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Manufacturers:

Aristech Chemical Corp, Hq, 600 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, (412) 433-2747; Production site: Neville Island, PA 15225
[SRI. 1997 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International 1997.824]**PEER REVIEWED**

Eastman Chemical Co, Tennessee Eastman Division, PO Box 511, Kingsport, TN 37662, (423) 229-2000. Production site: Kingsport, TN 37662
[SRI. 1997 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International 1997.824]**PEER REVIEWED**

Unitex Chemical Co., 520 Broome Rd., Greensboro, NC 27406, (910) 378-0965. Production site: Greensboro, NC 2740
[SRI. 1997 Directory of Chemical Producers -United States of America. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International 1997.824]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Methods of Manufacturing:

/PREPN:/ ... FROM PHTHALIC ACID & BUTYL HALIDE IN PRESENCE OF TERTIARY ALIPHATIC AMINE. MFR FROM PHTHALIC ACID & BUTYL ALCOHOL IN PRESENCE OF H2SO4.
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996.261]**PEER REVIEWED**

The (butyl, octyl, etc) alcohol is esterified with phthalic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst (sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid) or non-catalytically at high temp. The esterification is carried out at ordinary pressure or in a vacuum, the water formed during the reaction being eliminated as it is formed by entrainment by a third component (hydrocarbon or usually the alcohol used in the esterification). The hydrocarbon may be benzene, toluene, or cyclohexane. The reaction can be carried out discontinuously or by a continuous method. /Phthalic esters/
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.134]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

General Manufacturing Information:

... WIDELY USED AS PLASTICIZER, SINCE IT IS COMPATIBLE WITH ... NUMBER OF RESINS. ... IT IS ONE OF MOST COMMON PLASTICIZERS FOR NITROCELLULOSE, ETHYLCELLULOSE, & BENZYLCELLULOSE. ... /GIVES/ LONG LIFE TO OUTSIDE VARNISHES EXPOSED TO SUN & WEATHER. ... PLASTICIZER ... FOR POLYVINYL ACETATE & POLYMETHYLMETHACRYLATE.
[Lefaux, R. Practical Toxicology of Plastics. Cleveland: CRC Press Inc., 1968.137]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Formulations/Preparations:

INSECT REPELLANT COMPOSITION, GER OFFEN PATENT NO 2925589 01/08/81 (FICHTEL UND SACHS A-G), COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE & 2-PHENYLCYCLOHEXANOL ARE SYNERGISTIC INSECT REPELLANTS. ...
**PEER REVIEWED**

Grade: Technical, 99-100% dibutyl phthalate
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993374]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Consumption Patterns:

PRIMARY USE IS AS A PLASTICIZER IN POLYVINYL ACETATE EMULSIONS
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

U. S. Production:

(1993) 6,662,000 lbs (includes diisobutyl phthalate)
[United States International Trade Commission. Synthetic Organic Chemicals - United States Production and Sales, 1993. USITC Publication 2810, Nov. 1994. Washington, D.C.3-101]**PEER REVIEWED**

(1977) 7.72X10+9 G
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

(1982) 7.72X10+9 G
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

U. S. Imports:

(1977) 7.47X10+8 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS)
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

(1981) 3.03X10+8 G (PRINCPL CUSTMS DISTS)
[SRI]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Laboratory Methods:

 

 

Analytic Laboratory Methods:

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY & HIGH RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY. DI-N-BUTYL PHTHALATE WAS AMONG CMPD FOUND @ 1-30 PPB.
[HITES RA; J CHROMATOGR SCI 11 (11): 570 (1973)]**PEER REVIEWED**

Gas chromatographic separation ... on a 1% QFI column using FID.
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.42 (1980) NRCC No.17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

Normal and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography.
[Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters p.43 (1980) NRCC No.17583]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 8060: Phthalate Esters This method provides gas chromatographic conditions for the detection of ppb levels. A 2 to 5 ug aliquot of the extract is injected into a gas chromatograph using the solvent flush technique, and compounds in the gas chromatograph effluent are detected by an electron capture detector or a flame ionization detector. Ground water samples should be determined by electron capture detector. For dibutyl phthalate, the method detection limit for electron capture detector is 0.36 ug/l and for flame ionization detector is 14 ug/l, the average recovery range for four measurements is 10.3-29.6 ug/l, and the limit for the standard deviation is 8.9 ug/l.
[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 8250: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Semivolatile Organics, Packed Column Technique. Under the prescribed conditions, dibutyl phthalate has a detection limit of 2.5 ug/l, a range for the average recovery of four measurements of 8.4-111.0 ug/l, and a limit for the standard deviation of 16.7 ug/l.
[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 8270: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Semivolatile Organics, Capillary Column Technique. Under the prescribed conditions, dibutyl phthalate has a retention time of 21.78 min, a range for the average recovery of four measurements of 8.4-110.0 ug/l, and a limit for the standard deviation of 16.7 ug/l.
[USEPA/Office of Solid Waste (OSW); Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods SW846 Methods (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 606 A gas chromatography method for the analysis of dibutyl phthalate in municipal and industrial discharges, consists of a glass column. This method has a detection limit of 0.36 ug/l and an overall precision of 0.29 times the average recovery + 0.06, over a working range of 0.7 to 106 ug/l.
[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 625. A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the analysis of dibutyl phthalate in municipal and industrial discharges, consists of a glass column. This method has a detection limit of 2.5 ug/l and an overall precision of 0.39 times the average recovery + 0.60, over a working range of 5 to 1300 ug/l.
[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Method 1625: An isotope dilution gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry method for the determination of semivolatile organic compounds in municipal and industrial discharges, this method is designed to meet the survey requirements of Effluent Guidelines Division (EGD) and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Under the prescribed conditions, unlabeled dibutyl phthalate has a minimum level of 10 ug/l and a mean retention time of 1723 sec. This method has an initial precision of 74-188 ug/l and an accuracy of 67-207 ug/l for the unlabeled compound.
[40 CFR 136 (7/1/87)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Sampling Procedures:

MONITORING METHOD: ANALYTE: DIBUTYL PHTHALATE; MATRIX: AIR; PROCEDURE: FILTER COLLECTION EXTRACTION WITH CARBON DISULFIDE, GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY.
[U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present.V2 S33-1]**PEER REVIEWED**

Care is taken to avoid sample contact with any plastic. Under the prescribed conditions, dibutyl phthalate has a detection limit of 2.5 ug/l, a range for the average recovery of four measurements of 8.4-111.0 ug/l, and a limit for the standard deviation of 16.7 ug/l.
[USEPA; Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste SW-846 (1986)]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Special References:

 

 

Special Reports:

PIERCE ET AL; PHTHALATE ESTERS IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT; NATL RES COUNC CAN ASSOC COMM SCI CRITER ENVIRON QUAL PUBL 0 (17583): 1 (1980). THE PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, ANALYTICAL DETERMINATION & ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS OF PHTHALATE ESTERS (INDUSTRIAL PLASTICIZERS) ARE REVIEWED.

AUTAIN J; ENVIRON HEALTH PERSPECT 4:3 (1973). TOXICITY AND HEALTH THREATS OF PHTHALATE ESTERS: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.

DHHS/ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Di-n-butylphthalate (1990) ATSDR/TP-90/10

USEPA/ECAO; Phthalate Atlas Report (1980)

Nat'l Research Council Canada; Phthalate Esters (1980) NRCC No.17583

Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association; Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dibutyl Phthalate, Dimethyl Phthalate, and Diethyl Phthalate (in Cosmetic Products). J Am Coll Toxicol 4 (3): 267-303 (1985)

Thomas JA, Thomas MJ; Crit Rev Tox 13 (4): 283-318 (1984)

Woodward KN et al; Review of the Toxicity of the Esters of o-Phthalic Acid (Phthalate Esters) p.183 (1986). This review covers: identities; absorption, biotransformation, distribution, and excretion; animal toxicity (acute toxicity, irritation, and sensitization, subacute toxicity, hypolipemic and related effects, hepatic effects, effects on reproductive organs, mutagenicity, chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity); metabolism and effects in humans.

 

Synonyms and Identifiers:

 

 

Synonyms:

AI-3-00283
**PEER REVIEWED**

O-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
**PEER REVIEWED**

BENZENE-O-DICARBOXYLIC ACID DI-N-BUTYL ESTER
**PEER REVIEWED**

1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
**PEER REVIEWED**

BUTYL PHTHALATE
**PEER REVIEWED**

N-BUTYL PHTHALATE
**PEER REVIEWED**

Caswell no 292
**PEER REVIEWED**

CELLUFLEX DPB
**PEER REVIEWED**

DBP
**PEER REVIEWED**

DBP (ester)
**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLATE
**PEER REVIEWED**

DI-N-BUTYL PHTHALATE
**PEER REVIEWED**

DIBUTYL-O-PHTHALATE
**QC REVIEWED**

ELAOL
**PEER REVIEWED**

EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 028001
**PEER REVIEWED**

ERGOPLAST FDB
**PEER REVIEWED**

Ersoplast FDA.
**PEER REVIEWED**

GENOPLAST B
**PEER REVIEWED**

HEXAPLAS M/B
**PEER REVIEWED**

PALATINOL C
**PEER REVIEWED**

PHTHALIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
**PEER REVIEWED**

POLYCIZER DBP
**PEER REVIEWED**

PX 104
**PEER REVIEWED**

RC PLASTICIZER DBP
**PEER REVIEWED**

STAFLEX DBP
**PEER REVIEWED**

Uniflex DBP
**PEER REVIEWED**

UNIMOLL DB
**PEER REVIEWED**

WITCIZER 300
**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Formulations/Preparations:

INSECT REPELLANT COMPOSITION, GER OFFEN PATENT NO 2925589 01/08/81 (FICHTEL UND SACHS A-G), COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE & 2-PHENYLCYCLOHEXANOL ARE SYNERGISTIC INSECT REPELLANTS. ...
**PEER REVIEWED**

Grade: Technical, 99-100% dibutyl phthalate
[Lewis, R.J., Sr (Ed.). Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary. 12th ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Rheinhold Co., 1993374]**PEER REVIEWED**

 

Shipping Name/ Number DOT/UN/NA/IMO:

NA 9095; n-Butyl phthalate

 

EPA Hazardous Waste Number:

U069; A toxic waste when a discarded commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product.

 

Administrative Information:

 

 

Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 922

Last Revision Date: 20021016

Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 1/31/1998

Update History:

Complete Update on 10/16/2002, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/22/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/18/2002, 8 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/10/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/08/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/22/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/13/2000, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/27/1999, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/29/1999, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 03/17/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/01/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/01/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/27/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/12/1998, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/18/1998, 77 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/07/1997, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/17/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/27/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/24/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/13/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/09/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/19/1996, 7 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/19/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/19/1995, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/18/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/22/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 11/09/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/11/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/22/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/05/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/24/1994, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/20/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/16/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/03/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/03/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/27/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/23/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/26/1991, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/09/1991, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/08/1991, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/07/1991, 5 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 05/14/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 03/06/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/15/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 01/11/1990, 3 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 07/12/1989, 107 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 07/06/1988, 1 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 07/06/1988, 1 fields added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/03/1985

GLCC RELATED TOXIC SUBSTANCES FOUND IN THE CAMP POND AND CAMP WATER WELL 2003 AND 2004

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