Dibutyl phthalates (both di-n-butyl and di-isobutyl phthalates, referred to as DBP) are industrial solvents or additives used in many personal care products such as nail polish and cosmetics, and also in some printing inks, pharmaceutical coatings, and insecticides.
Sources of Exposure: Flexible plastics; personal care products such as nail polish and cosmetics; printing inks, pharmaceutical coatings, and insecticides; PVC (used in plumbing for carrying sewerage and other corrosive materials)
Health Impacts: Dibutylphthalate (DBP) and its major metabolite, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), are endocrine disruptors and impair male reproductive function. In utero exposure to dibutyl phthalate causes abnormal development of the testis and reproductive tract in male offspring. MBP also inhibited progesterone production in this study. It is categorized as "Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH)" by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).