Consumers and medical professionals alike are increasingly concerned about materials like microplastics, phthalates and other chemicals of concern used in consumer products. When it comes to necessary situations like medical care, valid concerns have been raised over DEHP's use. Here are some frequently asked questions about DEHP.

QUESTION: WHAT IS DEHP?
Answer: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a type of chemical known as a phthalate that is added to plastics, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make them more flexible.¹

QUESTION: WHAT IS A PHTHALATE?
Answer: Phthalates are chemicals used in the production of plastics to give the material certain qualities, like flexibility.¹

QUESTION: SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT DEHP?
Answer: DEHP, a common plasticizer, has been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer and birth defects, and exposure to DEHP can also harm the reproductive system of male neonates.¹

QUESTION: WHAT PRODUCTS CAN EXPOSE ME TO THE CHEMICAL DEHP?
Answer: You can be exposed to DEHP when you come into contact with some consumer products (eg, certain food packaging, shower curtains, garden hoses). You can also be exposed during some medical procedures with products containing DEHP.²

QUESTION: CAN DEHP PASS FROM A PREGNANT MOTHER TO A BABY?
Answer: Yes, during pregnancy, DEHP can pass from mother to baby.³


QUESTION: HOW DOES DEHP AFFECT CHILDREN?
Answer: Exposure to DEHP during pregnancy can affect the development of the child.³ It's also noteworthy that law prohibits manufacturing or sale of children’s toys containing DEHP at levels greater than 0.1%.²

QUESTION: DOES DEHP EXPOSURE ONLY HAPPEN THROUGH DIRECT CONTACT?
Answer: No, DEHP can also be breathed in as it can be present in air and dust.²

QUESTION: CAN DEHP BE TRANSFERRED FROM MY HANDS TO MY MOUTH?
Answer: Yes, DEHP can be transferred from your hands to your mouth and even ingested when you eat.²

QUESTION: HOW CAN I AVOID DEHP EXPOSURE IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES?
Answer: Before undergoing a medical procedure, you can request that devices and/or equipment that do not contain DEHP are used.²