CA Prop 65
Proposition 65 Warnings www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Phthalates
Why am I being warned about phthalates?
!
Six phthalates are on the Proposition 65 list because they can cause
birth defects or other reproductive harm and/or cancer.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide
a warning about exposures to listed chemicals.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are added to many plastics to make them
flexible. They are usually identified by their individual chemical names.
What are the names of these phthalates? What health effects am I being
warned about?
Exposure to:
BBP (Butyl benzyl phthalate) during pregnancy may affect development of the
child.
DBP (Di-n-butyl phthalate) during pregnancy may affect development of the child,
and may also harm the male and female reproductive system.
DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) may increase the risk of cancer, and may harm
the male reproductive system. Also, exposure to DEHP during pregnancy may
affect the development of the child.
DIDP (Di-isodecyl phthalate) during pregnancy may affect the development of
child.
DINP (Diisononyl phthalate) may increase the risk of cancer.
DnHP (Di-n-hexyl phthalate) may harm the male and female reproductive
system.
What types of products may contain these phthalates?
These items include:
Some plastic lunchboxes, binders, backpacks and storage cases.
Some rainwear, handbags, belts, footwear and other artificial leather items
that are made with polyvinyl chloride (commonly referred to as PVC or vinyl).
Some plastic shower curtains and bath mats.
Some vinyl gloves, tubing and garden hoses.
Some furniture and automobile upholstery, and other materials used in
automobile interiors.
Some vinyl tile flooring, and coverings on some wires and cables.
September 2017