Name
CAS number
EINECS number
What is DBP?
Di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP)
Also known as dibutyl phthalate
84‐74‐2
201‐557‐4
DBP is a substance that is used as a plasticiser to make PVC plastic
soft and flexible. It is a colourless and odourless organic chemical.
DBP is used in a range of soft PVC products including footwear,
electrical cables, and artificial leather. It is also used in printing inks,
adhesives, sealants/grouting agents, nitrocellulose paints, film
coatings and glass fibres.
Plasticisers are essential to make PVC flexible. PVC is rigid by nature
but plasticisers give it similar properties to rubber: it becomes
flexible and expandable, whilst retaining its shape.
There are many different plasticisers available but a manufacturer of
PVC will make what they believe to be the best choice for their
particular products.
DBP is used because for many years it has provided particularly good
processing and end product performance.
The use of DBP has been carefully considered by EU scientists and it
is already well regulated by European legislation relating to toys and
childcare articles, cosmetics, food contact materials and medicinal
products.
Indeed, DBP has been used for more than 50 years without a single
known case of anyone having been harmed as a result.
DBP is not classified as a human carcinogen or mutagen and it does
not accumulate in humans or in the environment
Substances are placed on the Candidate List for authorisation based
on their potential to cause harm (their hazard) rather than on any
actual risk they may pose. In the case of DBP, it has been put on the
candidate list due to reproductive effects that have been seen during
tests on rodents. However, as these effects are only seen at levels
much higher than humans are usually exposed to, there is no danger
from its use in most everyday PVC products.
Where is it used?
Why is it used?
Is it safe?
Why is DBP on the
REACH Candidate
List?
Where can I find
more information?
EPCOS [ EPCOS ]
