Dibutyl phthalate — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts

Dibutyl phthalate is classified as a plasticizer in many industrial and cosmetic products. It is clear to pale yellow in color and exudes a slightly fragrant odor.

List of known side effects

A toxicological profile released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reveals that dibutyl phthalate is notoriously detrimental to heart health. According to the data sheet, exposure to the harmful chemical may result in hypertension. Likewise, various animal studies have linked the poisonous plasticizer to many circulatory disorders such as anemia and decreased hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell levels.

The ATSDR profile has also demonstrated that the chemical is hazardous to liver health and may induce hepatic disorders including inhibited mitochondrial respiration, liver necrosis and peroxisome proliferation. Dibutyl phthalate is associated with decreased kidney weight as well. In addition, a number of studies cited in the Toxicology Data Network website show that direct skin exposure may trigger the onset of contact dermatitis.

Furthermore, a Pub Chem article reveals that dibutyl phthalate is detrimental to environmental health. According to the entry, the harmful compound may pollute water sources and negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and animals.

Body systems affected by dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate is particularly detrimental to heart health and overall blood circulation. Likewise, the toxic plasticizer may negatively affect both liver and kidney health. The chemical is harmful to the skin too.

Items that can contain dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate is primarily used as a plasticizer in resins and polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, according to a Green Facts entry. Likewise, the chemical can be found in printing inks, adhesives and sealants, and grouting agents, as well as nitrocellulose paints, film coatings, and glass fibers. The toxic substance is widely used in cosmetic production as a solvent and fixative for perfumes, a suspension agent for solids in aerosols and a lubricant for aerosol valves. The compound is also used as an antifoamer, a skin emollient, and a plasticizer in nail polish and fingernail elongators.

How to avoid dibutyl phthalate

A  hazardous substance fact sheet released by the New Jersey Department of Health advises wearing protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory equipment to reduce the likelihood of chemical exposure. The data sheet also suggests that work places install adequate ventilation to lower the odds of exposure. The safety guidelines also stress that people exposed to the toxic chemical should contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical help.

People who have inhaled the chemical are advised to go to an area with fresh air. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is to be performed on victims who fell unconscious following chemical inhalation. Victims who had direct eye and skin contact are also advised to remove contaminated clothing and contact lenses and thoroughly wash the eyes and skin area with plenty of water. Furthermore, the data sheet suggests that people immediately vacate the area to avoid direct chemical contact at the event of an accidental spill.

Where to learn more

• Chemical corporations buried report on endocrine disruptors to trade health for profit
• Chemicals in shampoo and toys may interfere with the mental development of young girls, according to researchers
• Phthalates Can Increase The Risk of Diabetes in Women and Lower Sperm Production in Men
• Chemicals found in common household products found to cause serious disease in men
• The 7 most common toxins people apply to their skin DAILY without even knowing it
• Prenatal exposure to common chemicals called phthalates linked to brain damage

Summary

Dibutyl phthalate causes hypertension, anemia and reduced hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cell levels.

Dibutyl phthalate triggers inhibited mitochondrial respiration, liver necrosis and peroxisome proliferation.

Dibutyl phthalate raises the odds of reduced kidney weight and contact dermatitis.

Dibutyl phthalate is particularly detrimental to heart health and overall blood circulation.

Dibutyl phthalate is also notoriously toxic to the skin, liver and kidneys.

Sources include:

PubChem.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

ToxNet.NLM.NIH.gov

ATSDR.CDC.gov

GreenFacts.org

NJ.gov