BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL)PHTHALATE - EVALUATION OF RISKS TO HEALTH FROM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE IN CANADA

Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate [di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate; DEHP] is included on the List of Priority Substances to be assessed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Based on available data, DEHP has been classified as ''unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans'', though owing to limitations of the database, classification as ''possibly carcinogenic to humans'' was also considered to be appropriate. The estimated average daily intakes of DEHP by some age groups of the general population in Canada based on limited available data on concentrations in food, indoor and ambient air, drinking water, soil and children's products approach the tolerable daily intake developed on the basis of developmental and reproductive effects in laboratory animals.