Identification and assessment of alternatives to selected phthalates

Current uses of DBP, according to actual information obtained from industry
or product registers, are listed below:
� Gelling aid in combination with other plasticisers in plastics. In general,
limited information is available on the actual uses of DBP in polymers.
DBP is used in PVC (manufacturer information). It has not been possible
to obtain very specific information on the uses, but the following applications
are mentioned by different sources: floor coverings, automotive uses
(manufacturer information) and garden hoses. The European Plastic
Converters (EuPC), has in a survey by their members not indentified any
use of DBP, and assume that DBP today is used by relatively few companies
for different niche purposes. The results of the Dutch surveys show
that DBP was formerly used at a relatively high frequency in many different
types of toys (FCPSA, 2008a).
� Rubbers (manufacturer information). The Risk Assessment for DBP
(ECB, 2004) specifies that DBP is used in some polychloroprene rubber
and nitrile rubber, but not in all polychloroprene (neoprene) or nitrile
rubbers. New information on actual uses is not available.
� DBP is used extensively in the adhesives industry to plasticise polyvinyl
acetate (PVA) emulsions. The low viscosity and compatibility of DBP
make it suited for PVA-based adhesives for bonding cellulosic materials.
According to the Risk Assessment for DBP (ECB, 2004) the most important
uses of the adhesives are for paper and packaging, wood building and
automobile industry.
� Epoxy resins. Probably same application that in the Risk Assessment for
DBP (ECB, 2004) is mentioned as "solvent in the production of fiber
glass". More specific information on this application has not been available.
� In the coatings industry as a primary plasticiser-solvent for nitrocellulose
lacquers.
� Grouting agents, used to reduce water leakages in tunnels, sewer systems,
buildings etc. DBP contents as high as 30-60% were found in polyurethane
foams used in grouting applications for water control in tunnels,
sewer systems, buildings etc. No actual confirmation of this application
has been obtained.
� Other applications:
- Solvent for many oil-soluble dyes, insecticides, peroxides and other
organic compounds;
- Antifoam agent and as a fibre lubricant in textile manufacturing;
- Used in compounding flavours;
- Printing inks, polishing agents, corrosion inhibitor materials;
- Use in PP (polypropylene) catalytic systems;
- One application described in the confidential part of the ECHA report.
According to CEPE (European Council of producers and importers of paints,
printing inks and artists’ colours), DEHP, BBP and DBP are no longer used
39