References

References

"Dibutyl phthalate." ChemicalBook. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. <http://www.chemicalbook.com/Chemical"DIBUTYL PHTHALATE." Ewg.org. EWG Skin Deep

"Dibutyl Phthalate." David Suzuki Foundation. David Suzuki Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/chemicals-in-your-cosmetics---dibutyl-phthalate/>.

"DIBUTYL PHTHALATE." Ewg.org. EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2013. <http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701929/DIBUTYL_PHTHALATE/>.

"Dibutyl Phthalate." Pollutant Fact Sheet. Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. <http://apps.sepa.org.uk/spripa/Pages/SubstanceInformation.aspx?pid=35>.

"Phthalates and Their Alternatives: Health and Environmental Concerns." Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. University of Massachusetts, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <www.sustainableproduction.org/downloads/PhthalateAlternatives-January2011.pdf>.

Dibutyl Phthalate

Dibutyl Phthalate

Also Known As: DBP, Elaol, Phthalic acid,  n-Butyl phthalate
Chemical Formula: C16H22O4

Shape:
(source:http://www.alanwood.net/)

What Is Dibutyl Phthalate Exactly?

Dibutyl Phthalate is a clear, oily substance, liquid at room temperature, that is insoluble in water and does not polymerize, which allows it to be mixed in cosmetics to stop them from hardening (ex: nail polishes, creams). This is also why it is used in paints or plastics.

But It Isn't In Anything I Use...Right?

So where is dibutyl phthalate found? It is found in various plastics (such as PVC piping) to make them more flexible, and nail polish. In nail polish (where it is mostly found), it is used as a solvent and a plasticizer, which stops the polish from becoming brittle. DBP is also used as fragrance in various cosmetics, but since various brands consider the scent of their product a company secret, the label on the container won't show "dibutyl phthalate" but rather "fragrance".

DBP: What Are The Dangers?

Where to begin? Dibutyl phthalate was used in a study conducted on animals, which showed that prolonged exposure to DBP while pregnant can cause infertility (to the fetus), undescended testicles in males as well as issues concerning sperm development. In adults, DBP has been linked to lower sperm concentration and decreased fertility in men. It is also thought to have properties which disrupt the human endocrinal system, that is to say the human hormone system. As well, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, "Inhalation of high levels of dibutyl phthalate can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes, nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Exposure over long periods of time can result in liver and kidney damage." For these reasons, the European Union has banned the use of DBP in cosmetics.

As well as health concerns for humans, dibutyl phthalate also affects our environment; because it is insoluble in water, it spreads easily in low-oxygen areas (ex: in the dirt, deep lakes). It bioaccumulates in fish, and acts as a disruptor to the endocrinal systems of wildlife as well as humans. This has the potential to warp local ecosystems. In fact, "The European Union classifies DBP as very toxic to aquatic organisms. Under the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, DBP is listed as a Chemical for Priority Action." (David Suzuki Foundation). 

Alternatives?

There are many alternatives being introduced to avoid using dibutyl phthalate in plastics as well: acetyl tributyl
citrate (which also has the advantage of being biodegradable) and Di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (which can also be used in cosmetics)
.
You may also be wondering: how can I avoid this toxin, while still being able to wear nail polish? Many nail polish manufacturers are now making water-based products, which don't contain dibutyl phthalate or any other harmful chemicals (such as formaldehyde and toluene).