Maximum permissible concentrations and negligible concentrations for phthalates (dibutylphthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthlate), with emphasis on endocrine disruptive properties

This report presents maximal permissible concentrations (MPCs) and negligible concentrations (NCs) are derived for di-n-butylphthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Phthalates are often mentioned as suspected endocrine disrupters. Data with endpoints related to the endocrine or reproductive system for in vitro as well as in vivo tests were collected. Especially the two-generation reproduction studies were found sensitive in detecting endocrine disruptive effects. None of the tests with uterine weight (often in combination with vaginal cornification) showed positive results. The most sensitive endpoints in the in vivo studies are converted to concentrations in the organic carbon exerting adverse effects. Based on the available data, the MPCs derived using classical endpoints (survival, growth and reproduction) are concluded to give sufficient protection against adverse endocrine disruptive effects.