EPA Completes Comprehensive TSCA Evaluation of Phthalates

According to information published on its TSCA phthalates program page, which was updated on December 31, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its most comprehensive evaluation to date of five widely used phthalate chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA states that the evaluations were conducted using “gold standard science” and extensive public input and assessed potential risks to human health and the environment.

Chemicals Evaluated

EPA assessed the following phthalates commonly used in industrial and commercial applications:

• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) (CAS no.85‑68‑7), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (CAS no. 84‑74‑2), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) (CAS no. 84‑61‑7), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (CAS no. 117‑81‑7, and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (CAS no. 84‑69‑5)

• Found in plastics, adhesives, paints, coatings, textiles, sealants, and rubber products

Key Findings

• Worker Health Risks

• Unreasonable risks were identified for workers.

• Primary exposure route: inhalation during spray applications and manufacturing.

• Environmental Risks

• Four of the five phthalates pose risks to aquatic organisms.

• Risks linked to certain industrial discharges into surface waters.

• Health Effects

• At elevated exposure levels, phthalates may contribute to hormone deficiencies and endocrine disruption.

• No unreasonable risks were identified for consumers under TSCA-regulated uses.

Scientific Approach

EPA states that it used rigorous and conservative methods, including:

• Comprehensive exposure data from manufacturing to disposal.

• Updated toxicity assessments and improved inhalation and dermal exposure modeling.

• A first-of-its-kind cumulative exposure analysis evaluating multiple phthalates simultaneously.

• Enhanced protection for vulnerable populations, including children.

Review and Transparency

According to EPA, the evaluations involved:

• Independent peer review by external scientific experts

• Extensive public comment and stakeholder engagement

• Refinements based on new data and scientific feedback

Next Steps

EPA will work with workers, industry, and communities to develop practical risk management measures, such as engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and alternative solutions, to reduce the identified risks.