Metabolites: Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP)
Description: MEHP, MEHHP, MECPP are high-molecular weight phthalate metabolites of Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is a type of phthalate used to make plastics more flexible.
Sources of Exposure: Flexible plastics (such as in some shower curtains, furniture, automobile upholstery, rainwear, soes, lunchboxes, binders, backpacks), personal care products, cosmetics, fragrances, food packaging, medical equipment, PVC plastic (used in plumbing for carrying sewerage and other corrosive materials)
Health Impacts: DEHP, and hence, its metabolites, are reproductive toxicants and possible carcinogens. Exposure to DEHP has been linked with testicular impairment, male subfertility and female fertility impairment.