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

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

NIOSH Basis for an Occupational Health Standard: Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) [PDF - 1,884 KB]