Dibutyl Phthalate is used as a solvent in many janitorial products. Its harm to the user is limited because it usually must be eaten in order for the effects to be felt. However, dibutyl phthalate persists in the environment, and damages the hormone systems of animals. It is strongly suspected that humans eating these animals will be harmed as well.
HAZARD SUMMARY [1]Acute Health EffectsDibutyl Phthalate can affect you when breathed in. Dibutyl Phthalate may damage the developing fetus and may also damage the testes (male reproductive glands). Contact may irritate the eyes and skin. Exposure may irritate the nose and throat.
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Dibutyl Phthalate:
Chronic Health EffectsContact can irritate the skin, and the eyes. Exposure to the vapor or aerosol can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Dibutyl Phthalate and can last for months or years:
Cancer Hazard - According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Dibutyl Phthalate has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.[1] This information is quoted from: New Jersey Workers' Right-to-Know Fact Sheet, which is on the internet at http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/0773.pdf
Reproductive Hazard - Dibutyl Phthalate may damage the developing fetus in humans since it has been shown to be fetotoxic in animals. It may also damage the testes (male reproductive glands).
Other Long-Term Effects - Dibutyl Phthalate has not been tested for other chronic (long-term) health effects.