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

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