Chemical class · 15 compounds tracked
Phthalates
Plasticizers used to soften PVC and other plastics. Some are endocrine disruptors. Detected in 86% of U.S. food samples tested in 2024. This page includes phthalate substitutes such as DEHT and DINCH, which are marketed as alternatives.
Low Molecular Weight 6
Restricted
CAS 84-74-2
DBP
Dibutyl phthalate
Phthalate restricted in children's products and cosmetics. Detected in foods including dairy and packaged products.
Restricted
CAS 85-68-7
BBP
Benzyl butyl phthalate
Phthalate used in vinyl flooring, carpet backing, and food-contact adhesives. Restricted in children's products.
CAS 84-66-2
DEP
Diethyl phthalate
Phthalate widely used in personal care products and as a denaturing agent. Frequently detected in food.
Restricted
CAS 84-69-5
DIBP
Diisobutyl phthalate
Phthalate banned in children's toys and food-contact articles in the EU. No safe daily exposure limit established by FDA, EPA, or EFSA.
CAS 131-11-3
DMP
Dimethyl phthalate
Low-molecular-weight phthalate used in solid rocket propellants, insect repellents, and some plastics. Less commonly detected in food.
CAS 131-16-8
DPP
Dipropyl phthalate
Less common phthalate. Limited routine testing data.
High Molecular Weight 5
Restricted
CAS 117-81-7
DEHP
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
The most widely used phthalate. Plasticizer in PVC, medical tubing, and food packaging. EPA safety limit based on 1953 research. Most commonly detected phthalate in food testing.
CAS 84-61-7
DCHP
Dicyclohexyl phthalate
Phthalate used in cellulose-based plastics, rubber, and PVC.
CAS 26761-40-0
DIDP
Diisodecyl phthalate
High-molecular-weight phthalate used as a DEHP replacement. Restricted in children's products in the EU.
CAS 28553-12-0
DINP
Diisononyl phthalate
Common DEHP replacement. Restricted in children's products in the US and EU.
CAS 117-84-0
DnOP
Di-n-octyl phthalate
High-molecular-weight phthalate used in flooring and rubber products.