Baby Safety / Compounds / DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate)

Is DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) safe for babies and kids?

Moderate risk for kids

Infants are vulnerable to DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.

What is dinch (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate)?

The IUPAC name is bis(7-methyloctyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate.

Also known as: bis(7-methyloctyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate, Diisononyl hexahydrophthalate, DINCH, Hexamoll DINCH.

IUPAC name
bis(7-methyloctyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate
CAS number
166412-78-8
Molecular formula
C26H48O4
Molecular weight
424.7 g/mol
SMILES
CC(C)CCCCCCOC(=O)C1CCCCC1C(=O)OCCCCCCC(C)C
PubChem CID
11524680

Risk for babies

Moderate risk

Infants are vulnerable to DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.

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.

What to do: 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.

Risk for pregnant and nursing people

Elevated risk

Occupational and household exposure to DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) during pregnancy is associated with developmental toxicity. Solvents readily cross the placenta and can cause fetal growth restriction.

Suspected reproductive toxicant (GHS H361) or suspected endocrine disruptor. Precautionary approach warranted. Animal studies or limited human data suggest developmental toxicity potential.

What to do: Minimize exposure during pregnancy and lactation. Consult healthcare provider regarding specific risks. Consider alternative products with lower hazard profiles.

Regulatory consensus

1 regulatory bodyhas classified DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate).

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
EFSA / BfR / ECHA (DINCH — Hexamoll DINCH; di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate; CAS 166412-78-8 — EFSA 2006 opinion and 2012 re-evaluation: acceptable for food contact materials use at estimated dietary exposures; BfR (Germany) assessed as safe alternative plasticizer; no reproductive toxicity classification; no ECHA SVHC listing; specifically developed by BASF as a non-phthalate, non-endocrine-disrupting plasticizer for sensitive applications; not classified for carcinogenicity by IARC, NTP, EFSA, or US EPA; approved for use in toys, food contact materials, and medical devices in EU and USA)2012no carcinogenicity classification; EFSA positive safety opinion; no reproductive toxicity classification; non-phthalate cyclohexane dicarboxylate plasticizer designed for sensitive applications; not classified by IARC, NTP, EFSA, or US EPA for carcinogenicity; not on ECHA SVHC list

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 dinch (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate)

  • Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
  • Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate):

  • DINCH or citrate esters (ATBC)
    Trade-offs: May require reformulation. Higher cost.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions

Is dinch (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) safe for kids?

Infants are vulnerable to DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) through inhalation of volatile residues in household products. Immature blood-brain barrier and higher respiratory rate per body weight amplify CNS exposure.

What products contain dinch (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate)?

DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).

What should I do if my child is exposed to dinch (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate)?

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.

See DINCH (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate) in the baby app

Look up products containing dinch (di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

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Sources (1)
  1. EFSA 2006/2012 DINCH Hexamoll Positive Opinion Food Contact Materials; BfR No Endocrine Disruption No Reproductive Toxicity; BASF Non-Phthalate Cyclohexane Dicarboxylate; Toys Medical Devices Children's Products; MINCH Biomonitoring Metabolite; No IARC NTP EFSA EPA Carcinogenicity Classification (2012) — 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 →