The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a revised draft risk evaluation for dibutyl phthalate (DBP)—a commonly used plasticizer—concluding that the chemical presents unreasonable risks to human health under various conditions of use. The evaluation was conducted under the agency’s authority in Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
If finalized as proposed, the findings could trigger new regulatory actions across multiple industries, including plastics, automotive, medical devices, and adhesives.
What Is DBP?
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used to increase flexibility in plastics and is found in:
• Adhesives and sealants
• Coatings and inks
• Personal care products
• PVC-based materials
• Wire insulation, flooring, and flexible packaging
Its widespread use has raised long-standing concerns due to bioaccumulation and potential toxicity.
Key Findings in the Draft Risk Evaluation
The EPA’s revised draft, released in June 2025, identifies unreasonable health risks for:
• Workers involved in industrial or manufacturing settings
• Consumers using DBP-containing products repeatedly
• The general population through environmental contamination (air, water, and soil)
📌 Risk sources include:
• Inhalation or dermal exposure during product use
• Environmental release from waste disposal and degradation
• Prolonged use of consumer goods containing DBP
Public Comment Period Now Open
🗓️ Public comment deadline: August 2025 (exact date pending confirmation)
📨Submit feedback via Regulations.gov
The EPA is seeking input on:
• Technical data
• Exposure assumptions
• Use conditions
• Feasibility of risk mitigation strategies
Stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, trade associations, and public health groups, are encouraged to participate.
Potential Regulatory Implications
If the evaluation is finalized in its current form, the EPA could issue restrictions under TSCA Section 6(a). Possible actions include:
🚫 Bans or phase-outs of high-risk DBP uses
🧪 Occupational safety requirements, such as PPE mandates or engineering controls
🏷️ Product labeling or disposal instructions
📦 Supply chain reformulations to eliminate or reduce DBP content
These changes could significantly affect:
• Automotive manufacturing
• Medical device production
• Electronics and plastic packaging
• Adhesive and sealant markets
• Flooring and construction materials
What Companies Should Do Now
To prepare for possible regulation, companies should:
🔍 Identify DBP uses in raw materials, formulations, and finished goods
🔄 Engage suppliers to review or modify product compositions
🧪 Explore safer alternatives or DBP-free substitutes
💬 Submit comments to ensure regulatory outcomes reflect practical considerations
📈 Monitor related TSCA evaluations, including those for DEHP, BBP, and other phthalates
Broader Regulatory Context
The DBP evaluation is part of the EPA’s ongoing effort to address phthalates and other persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances under TSCA.
"EPA’s draft signals a more proactive regulatory stance on widely used industrial chemicals," said a chemical safety analyst. "Companies that act early can reduce risk and build public trust."
Reference: EPA Risk Evaluation – Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
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