Is Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) safe for babies and kids?
Elevated risk for kidsInfants are highly exposed to Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) through mouthing of plastic toys, teethers, bottles, and food packaging leachates. Endocrine disruption risk is amplified during critical windows of reproductive and neurological development.
What is di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp)?
The IUPAC name is bis(2-propylheptyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate.
Also known as: bis(2-propylheptyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, bis(2-propylheptyl)phthalate, di(2-propylheptyl)phthalate, RefChem:411099.
- IUPAC name
- bis(2-propylheptyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
- CAS number
- 53306-54-0
- Molecular formula
- C28H46O4
- Molecular weight
- 446.7 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCCCCC(CCC)COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OCC(CCC)CCCCC
- PubChem CID
- 92344
Risk for babies
Elevated riskInfants are highly exposed to Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) through mouthing of plastic toys, teethers, bottles, and food packaging leachates. Endocrine disruption risk is amplified during critical windows of reproductive and neurological development.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskPrenatal exposure to Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) is associated with endocrine disruption affecting fetal reproductive development. Phthalates and alternative plasticizers cross the placenta and are detectable in amniotic fluid.
Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.
Regulatory consensus
3 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IARC | 2017 | Not evaluated by IARC — DPHP is a high-molecular-weight phthalate plasticizer under ECHA REACH evaluation for reproductive and endocrine disrupting properties; ECHA Annex XV restriction report (2017) proposed restriction in toys and childcare articles; identified as potential endocrine disruptor under EU Regulation 2017/2100 criteria | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 4 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: negative (Ames: negative, 0 positive / 4 negative reports) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp)
- Consumer Products — Plastic bottles and containers, Food packaging, Plastic toys and household items
- Drinking Water — Leaching from plastic pipes, Migration from bottled water containers
- Indoor Environments — Off-gassing from plastic furniture, Degradation of plastic products
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP):
-
Process redesign to avoid hazardous intermediates
Trade-offs: May require significant R&D investment. Not always feasible.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp) safe for kids?
Infants are highly exposed to Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) through mouthing of plastic toys, teethers, bottles, and food packaging leachates. Endocrine disruption risk is amplified during critical windows of reproductive and neurological development.
What products contain di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp)?
Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) appears in: Plastic bottles and containers (Consumer products); Food packaging (Consumer products); Leaching from plastic pipes (Drinking water); Migration from bottled water containers (Drinking water); Off-gassing from plastic furniture (Indoor environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp)?
Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) has been classified by 3 agencies including IARC, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Genetox, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) in the baby app
Look up products containing di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (dphp), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- ECHA REACH CoRAP Evaluation DPHP Di(2-Propylheptyl) Phthalate; Annex XV Restriction Report Toys Childcare 0.1% 2017; Repr 2 H361d Suspected Reproductive Toxicant; PPARalpha Leydig Cell Adenoma Rat; Anti-Androgenic Metabolite MPHP; Phthalate Syndrome Fetal Testosterone Masculinization; SVHC Assessment; PVC Cable Flooring Plasticizer DEHP Alternative (2017) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →