Environmental risk limits for two phthalates, with special emphasis on endocrine disruptive properties

Environmental risk limits (ERLs) are derived for di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), The ERLs are derived using data on (eco)toxicology and environmental chemistry. Endpoints used are survival, g rowth, and reproduction. The resulting ERLs in water are 10 and 0.19 mu g/L for DBP and DEHP, respectively; in fresh soil and sediment with 10% organi c matter the derived ERLs are respectively 0.7 and 1 mg/kg fresh nt. In The Netherlands, measured concentrations of DBP are seldom above the ERLs, whi le reported concentrations for DEHP are 3 to 20 times higher than the ERL, As phthalates as a group are commonly mentioned as chemicals with possible endocrine disruptive effects, ill vivo and in vitro tests for a series of p hthalates with endpoints related to endocrine disruption are reviewed. In v itro and in vivo tests give a similar distinction between phthalates that c an or cannot act as endocrine disrupters. The significance of these tests f or the derivation of ERLs is discussed. It is concluded that the ERLs deriv ed mill give sufficient protection against endocrine disruptive effects. Th ere is no need to include additional data for DBP and DEHP, related to endp oints other than survival, growth, or reproduction, in the derivation of ER Ls, (C) 2000 Academic Press.