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CAS 103-23-1

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate

Organic Chemicals, except for PFASPotential EDCCarcinogen

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) is a plasticizer that makes PVC soft, used in food wrap, tubing, and other flexible plastics. It can move from plastic into food and the environment; high exposures have caused liver effects in animals.[1][2]

Where It Comes From

Made for PVC films, wire coatings, flooring, and tubing; released to air, water, and soil during manufacture, use, and disposal.[1]

How You Are Exposed

Eating food (especially fatty foods) that touched PVC cling wrap or tubing; eating fish from contaminated waters; breathing workplace air; drinking water near facilities using DEHA.[1][2]

Why It Matters

Main concerns are liver changes and reduced body weight at high doses in animals; human data are limited. EPA set a health-based daily reference dose to guide long-term intake.[1][2]

Who Is at Risk

Plastics workers; people who often use PVC wrap with hot or fatty foods; residents near manufacturing sites, disposal areas, or spills.[1]

How to Lower Your Exposure

Use glass or ceramic for hot/fatty foods; avoid microwaving with plastic wrap; choose PVC-free wraps when possible; follow workplace protections; check local advice if water or fish may be contaminated.[1]

References

  1. [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. CDC.
  2. [2]U.S. EPA. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), CASRN 103-23-1.

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