Chemical Name: Di-Octyl Phthalate
Synonyms: Dioctyl phthalate, DOP, DEHP
Chemical Formula: C24H38O4
CAS Number: 117-81-7
Description: DOP shows up as a colorless, oily liquid, known for its use in plastics and as a softener in various industry settings.
Hazard Class: Classified as a suspected human carcinogen by some regulatory agencies
Acute Health Hazards: Can irritate skin and eyes; inhalation of vapors may cause headache and dizziness
Chronic Health Hazards: Long-term exposure links to reproductive and developmental issues in laboratory animals; risk to human fertility and fetal development keeps drawing scientific scrutiny
Labeling Requirements: Warning pictograms for health hazard, along with hazard statements about reproductive risk
Main Ingredient: Di-Octyl Phthalate, over 99% concentration
Impurities: Trace phthalate esters and unreacted alcohols may exist, usually kept minimal in industrial grades
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; provide oxygen if breathing feels difficult; consult medical help if symptoms stick around
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and get medical attention if feeling unwell
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide; water spray can help cool containers
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burning creates toxic fumes, including carbon oxides and possibly other unidentified fumes
Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear in case of fire
Spill Containment: Prevent entry into drains and waterways; use barriers or dikes to stop the spread
Cleanup Methods: Soak up with non-combustible absorbent material, such as sand or earth, then shovel into proper disposal containers
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing; ensure good ventilation during cleanup
Handling: Avoid inhaling vapors or getting liquid on the skin; use in well-ventilated areas and close containers tightly after use
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated spaces away from sources of heat, sparks, open flames, and incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers
Special Precautions: Stack containers securely to prevent spills or leaks; keep away from food and drink
Exposure Limits: Regulatory limits on workplace concentration exist in some countries; employers should follow local occupational hygiene guidelines
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves resistant to chemicals, safety goggles, protective clothing, and, if exposure might exceed limits, a respirator with appropriate filters
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow, oily liquid
Odor: Faint, not strongly noticeable
Boiling Point: Around 385°C (725°F)
Flash Point: About 210°C (410°F)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, mixes well with most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Very low at room temperature
Density: Approximately 0.985 g/cm³ at 20°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases may trigger hazardous reactions
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating to decomposition produces fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly small quantities of phthalic anhydride
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact in animal studies
Chronic Effects: Links to reproductive and developmental toxicity in rodents; possible links to carcinogenicity upon prolonged, repeated exposure
Symptoms of Overexposure: Irritation to eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract; possibly headaches or dizziness at high doses
Environmental Fate: Persistent in environment, breaks down slowly in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Builds up in aquatic organisms over time, raising concerns for long-term ecosystem health
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Poses risk to aquatic species at higher concentrations; releases to waterways can harm fish and invertebrates
Waste Disposal: Considered hazardous waste in many regions; incineration in approved facilities or using specialist chemical waste companies recommended
Container Handling: Empty containers still contain residue; handle and dispose of with the same care as full containers
UN Number: Not typically classified as hazardous for most transport modes
Transport Hazards: Spills during transport pose risks to the environment and workers; secure all containers to prevent leaks
Regulations: Employers should follow all local and national rules for transporting chemicals
Classification: Listed under substance of very high concern by some international agencies, especially in Europe
Restrictions: Banned or limited in use in children’s toys and childcare articles in various countries
Workplace Protections: Occupational exposure limits and guidance set by WHO, OSHA, NIOSH, and similar bodies
Labeling: Regulations require risk and safety phrases, hazard pictograms, and use recommendations on containers and documentation