The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), citing significant risks to workers in industrial and commercial settings. Public comments on the findings, which detail DCHP's use as a plasticizer and its potential health impacts, are open until 10 March 2025.
Common Uses of DCHP
DCHP (CASRN 84-61-7) is a granular solid widely used as a plasticizer or stabilizer in various products. Key industrial and commercial applications include:
- Adhesives and Sealants: Used in manufacturing adhesives, paints, and coatings.
- Plastic and Rubber Products: Acts as a plasticizer in items like rubber products and plastic resins.
- Specialised Industrial Use: Stabilises materials like cellulose films and is used in inks, coatings, and construction materials.
Risks Associated with DCHP Exposure
The EPA’s draft risk evaluation identifies nine conditions of use that pose unreasonable risks to workers, especially through inhalation. These include:
- Manufacturing and processing of adhesives, paints, and coatings.
- Use of DCHP as a stabilising agent in industrial applications.
- Exposure in the production of inks and other colourant products.
DCHP exposure has been linked to adverse effects on the male reproductive system, including developmental toxicity collectively referred to as "phthalate syndrome." Risks to consumers, the general population, and the environment are considered minimal under current conditions of use.
Public Engagement and Next Steps
Public comments on the draft evaluation can be submitted through docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0504 at regulations.gov until 10March 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input to refine the EPA’s findings. A Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) meeting is scheduled for spring 2025 to review the data and methods used in the evaluation.
