A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive ...

� DEHP is one of the most common phthalates
in use. It is teratogenic, a reproductive effector,
it is on the EU list of endocrine disruptors and
it is persistent.
� Phthalates have been banned in products for
small children.
� A new risk assessment from the EU on DEHP
is currently being discussed.
� Further screening is necessary.
Production and use
DEHP is a widely used plasticiser for the production
of PVC products, such as flooring, insulation,
electric wiring, sheeting, medical devices,
synthetic leather and toys. In non PVC products,
DEHP is used as antifoaming agent in
paper production, emulsifier for cosmetics, in
perfumes and pesticides, as aid in the production
of different synthetic materials, adhesives
and sealant, lacquers and paints, printing inks
for paper and plastic, printing inks for textiles,
rubber and ceramics for electronic purposes. In
PVC products, DEHP can be more dominant
than PVC. Phthalates have been banned in
products for children less than three years since
1999. The use of DEHP in products in Norway
has dropped from about 2300 tons in 1995 to
124 tons in 2002 according to SFT, but these
figures may not be accurate.
Emissions, discharges,
distribution and hot-spots
According to Norwegian State Pollution Control
Authority the emissions of DEHP has dropped
from more than 28 tons in 1995 to approx. 2
tons in 2002, but these figures only includes discharges
to municipal waste water. It is considered
that about half of the DEHP in municipal
waste water was released to water in 1995; the
rest followed the sludge/soil. For 2002 about
0,5 tons were released to water.
DEHP has been found in waste water from
laundries, car wash installations and industrial
sources. DEHP emissions from vehicles come
from DEHP in anti corrosive treatment and
PVC canopies on trucks. WHO considers that
"Transport in the air is the major route by
which phthalates enter the environment". DEHP
binds readily to suspended solids and particles,
and can be found in sediments.
FACTS
di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) ::::::::::..
12 Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
Cas no.: 117-81-7
Synonyms: Ftalater, bis-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP,
DOP, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid bis(2ethylhexyl)ester,
phthalic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl)ester
DIOP, and many more.
Properties: Colourless, oily liquid, slight odour.
Toxic effects: Acute oral toxicity LD50 rat is more
than 25 g/kg, but far lower doses (0,3 g/kg) have
caused weight gain. Studies have shown testicular
atrophy and increased kidney weights in long term
studies (WHO). The new EU risk assessment sets a
NOAEL of 4,8 mg/kg/day for humans for testicular
toxicity. Both DEHP and the metabolite MEHP show
teratogenic properties. Malformations were observed
at dietary levels of 0,5-2 g/kg in mice, and embryotoxic
effects were observed at dietary levels
greater than 10 g/kg. DEHP may also harm reproduction,
and it is on the EU list of substances with documented
endocrine-disrupting effects. NOEL for
Daphnia magna is 72 µg/l, while NOEL for fish (adult)
is 62 µg/l. Acute toxicity in rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss) (LC50) is more than 100
mg/l/96 hour and for Daphnia magna LC50 is 1 000 -
5 000 µg/l/48 hour.
Log Kow: 4,88 -7,6
Persistence: Half-life in water is 146 days and in air 1
day (photochemical). Half-life in soil is less than 50
days (CIRCA). Biodegradation is temperature
dependent. Below 10 °C or under anaerobic conditions,
little or no biodegradation takes place at all.
Hydrolysis and volatilisation are not important
processes. Bioconcentration is high in a variety of
aquatic invertebrates, fish, and amphibians (WHO).
Fish metabolize DEHP readily.
Water solubility: 0,3 - 0,4 mg/l, lower in salt water.
DEHP will adsorb to particles in water (especially salt
water), even though solubility is low (WHO).
Molecular formula: C 24 H 38 O 4
Metabolites: mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP).
Marine sediment
DEHP has been investigated in a study in 1996.
Higher levels were found outside municipal
waste water treatment plants.
Fresh water sediment
The DEHP levels in fresh water sediment were
not particularly high.
A study of the priority substances of the Water Framework Directive
TA-2140/2005
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