EPA designated dibutyl phthalate (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- dibutyl ester) as a High-Priority Substance in December 2019 and the chemical is currently undergoing risk evaluation.

Find other information about other chemicals undergoing risk evaluations under TSCA. 

On this page:

• Background on dibutyl phthalate
• Conditions of use of dibutyl phthalate
• Recent activities and opportunities for public comment

Background on Dibutyl Phathlate

Dibutyl phthalate (CASRN 84-74-2) is a colorless to faint yellow oily liquid. The primary use for dibutyl phthalate is as a plasticizer, in adhesives and sealants, and paints and coatings. Information from the 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) for dibutyl phthalate indicates the reported production volume is between 1 million and 10 million lbs/year (manufacture and import).

Conditions of Use of Dibutyl Phathlate

In the final scope, EPA identified conditions of use associated with the importing; processing; distribution in commerce; industrial, commercial and consumer uses; and disposal of dibutyl phthalate, for example:

• In adhesives and sealants;
• In paints and coatings;
• For laboratory chemicals; and
• In commercial and consumer products, including adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, floor coverings, furniture, chemiluminescent light sticks, lubricants, fabric, textiles and leather.

The above listed conditions of use are ways that a person or the environment could be potentially exposed to this chemical. However, when conducting a risk evaluation, EPA also considers the hazards (i.e. health effects or environmental impacts) that could occur from coming in contact with a chemical. 

Recent Activities and Opportunities for Public Comment

In August 2020, EPA published a final scope document outlining the hazards, exposures, conditions of use, and the potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations the agency expects to consider in its risk evaluation. The agency released the draft scope in April 2020 and took public comments on the draft document.

• Read the final scope of the risk evaluation for this chemical and EPA’s response to comments on the draft scope.
• View the docket for this chemical, EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0503 on www.regulations.gov.

As EPA continues to move through the risk evaluation process there will be additional opportunities for public comment, including a public comment period on the draft risk evaluation. In addition to public comment periods, EPA will continue to engage with stakeholders as it refines the risk evaluation and stakeholders should reach out to EPA via the staff contact to engage with the agency.