DEHP in plastic items

DEHP is used in the production of plastic products. Plastic products that contain more than 1 per cent of DEHP are permanently banned from sale.

About DEHP

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticiser that is used to make plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), soft and flexible. It is also known as Di(2 ethylhexyl)phthalate and Bis(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Risks and injuries

There is a risk of reproductive toxicity for children up to 36 months of age, if they were to chew and suck objects containing DEHP for more than 40 minutes per day.

There is a permanent ban on plastic toys, childcare articles, and eating vessels and utensils intended for children aged up to 36 months that:

• contain or have an accessible component containing more than 1 per cent by weight of DEHP
• are readily chewed and or sucked.

More information

Chemical hazards & injuries

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Related bans

DEHP in children's plastic items

This ban applies to toys, childcare articles, eating vessels and utensils intended for children up to and including 36 months of age that they can readily chew and/or suck. Items containing more than 1 per cent by weight of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are banned. Risk: reproductive toxicity for children.