DEHP diethylhexyl-phthalate

The rapid movement in the global phthalates market away from using plasticisers 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in favour of alternative products was underscored recently when BASF revealed plans to close its 2-EH and DEHP plants in Germany. The restructuring in Europe will have no effect on BASF s plasticiser portfolio in Nafta and Asia, however, where the company will continue to offer 2-EH and DEHP. About 70% of the plasticiser maiket volume is phthalates, and plasticisers make up about 60% of the plastic additives maiket. PVC accounts for 80-90% of global plasticiser consumption. In October 2003, California added DEHP to the state s list of more than 750 chemicals known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm. Previous studies had shown that the chemical can leach from plastic bags that contain intravenous fluids, blood, tube feedings or other medical treatment, and thereby enter the bodies of patients. 

We are told that a Scientific Committee of the European Commission has addressed toxicity concerns about PVC plasticised with diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) when used in certain medical applications. It has reached conclusions which differ from those reached by some other organisations. This article discusses the basis for these opinions in detail. 7 refs. 

Jansson et al. [189] were able to use the SX3 Biobeads and a mobile phase of dichloromethane in hexane (1 1) to make a further separation of the chloro-paraffins from lipids and other organochlorine pollutants. Using diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) as a marker, they collected the appropriate fractions to isolate the chloroparaffins and other pollutants. 

Polyvinyl chloride can be shaped into clear, soft flexible tubing and sheets with the aid of using plasticizers such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Polyvinyl chloride resins are used for children s toys, automobile seat covers, and for catheters used for intravenous transfusion of blood and nutrients in hospitals and homes. When DEHP was suspected of leaching out of the products, and of being a carcinogen, substitutions were developed with polyvinylacetate and polyethylene. However, these substitutes are not yet totally satisfactory, as they cannot be steam sterilized, and they are not as clear and flexible as PVC. 

James, N.H., Soames, A.R. Roberts, R.A. (1998) Suppression of hepatocyte apoptosis and induction of DNA synthesis by the rat and mouse hepatocarcinogen diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and the mouse hepatocarcinogen 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB). Arch Toxicol., 12, 784-790... 

Tugwood, J.D., Holden, P.R., James, N.H., Prince, R.A. Roberts, R.A. (1998) A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARa) cDNA cloned from guinea-pig liver encodes a protein with similar properties to the mouse PPARa implications for species differences in responses to peroxisome proliferators. Arch. Toxicol., 72, 169-177 Turner, J.H., Petricciani, J.C., Crouch, M.L. Wenger, S. (1974) An evaluation of the effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on mitotically capable cells in blood packs. Transfusion, 14, 560-566... 

NTP. 1982b. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) Reproduction and fertility assessment in CD-I mice when administered in the feed National Toxicology Program, Research Triangle Park, NC. NTP-82-FACB003. 

Tumer JH, Petricciani JC, Crouch ML, et al. 1974. An evaluation of the effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on mitotically capable cells in blood packs. Transfusion 14 560-566. 

The replacement of the diethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP)-plasticised PVC film in Akva Waterbeds water mattresses with PVC plasticised with Bayer Chemicals Mesamoll phenol alkyl sulphonate is discussed. The performance advantages resulting from this switch are considered with particular attention to the greater saponification resistance of these plasticisers and their much reduced tendency to migrate. Data are given on the stability of Mesamoll and phthalate plasticisers in terms of saponification and hydrolysis and on the change in EB with time of Mesamoll- and DEHP-plasticised PVC films. 

The National Toxicology Program asserts that phthalate plasticizers [diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), used in vinyl] are a health hazard and should be phased out of medical products. The major use of DEHP is in the production of PVC and vinyl chloride resins, in which it is added to plastics to make them flexible. 

Although there are about 100 phthalates that have been employed as plasticizers, around 14-15 phthalates account for over 90% of commercial phthalate production. The most commonly used phthalate is diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which is often called dioctyl phthalate (DOP). Other plasticizers used are butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), methyl-, ethyl-... 

Later, Koo and Lee (2(X)4) determined DBP, DEP, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) by LC in different cosmetic products, in order to predict human exposure to phthalates. 

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