DBP - A speciality plasticiser
An information resource on the plasticiser di-n-butyl phthalate
(DBP)
 Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), also
known as dibutyl phthalate, is a specialist plasticiser often
used in combination with other high molecular weight
phthalates.
DBP is used extensively in the adhesives industry to plasticise
polyvinyl acetate (PVA) emulsions. The low viscosity and
compatibility of DBP make it ideally suited for PVA-based adhesives
for bonding cellulosic materials. Depending on the amount of
plasticiser used, the handling and application properties of PVA
adhesive can be varied greatly.
DBP is an excellent solvent for many oil-soluble dyes,
insecticides, peroxides and other organic compounds, It is used as
an antifoam agent and as a fibre lubricant in textile
manufacturing.
Primary plasticiser-solvent
DBP is also used in the coatings industry as a primary
plasticiser-solvent for nitrocellulose lacquers. It contributes
excellent flexibility at low temperatures and is especially
desirable because of its broad compatibility with modifying
resins.
Reports that have linked DBP with adverse human health effects
are unfounded and unsubstantiated.
In many countries it is used as an ingredient in nail polish to
make it chip resistant. The decades of extensive testing and risk
assessment of DBP by industry, government, and independent
scientists supports the belief that its use in nail polish and
other approved cosmetics applications is safe.
In Europe however, the use of DBP in cosmetics is now forbidden
based on DBP's classification. Under changes to the EU Cosmetics
Directive agreed in 2004, cosmetics including nail polish
containing DBP cannot be sold to the general public from April 1,
2005.
New Study of CDC Data Undermines Activist Campaign Against the
Use of Phthalates in Cosmetics
"Why do women between the age of 20 to 40 years have higher
levels of dibutyl-phthalate (DBP) in their bodies than anyone
else?" asks a web site devoted to attacking the use of phthalates
in cosmetics.
The answer, it turns out, is that they don't, according to a new
and more detailed analysis of data generated by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's analysis shows that
whilst levels of DBP metabolites are higher in women than in men
the exposures are about 90 times lower than the safety level
established by the US government.
Di-n-butyl phthalate
 Di-n-butyl phthalate CAS No 84-74-2- Synonyms: Di-n-butyl phthalate, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid,
dibutyl ester (9CI), Phthalic acid, dibutyl ester (6CI, 8CI),
Bis-n-butyl phthalate, Butyl phthalate, DBP, DBP (ester),
Di(n-butyl) 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate, Dibutyl o-phthalate, n-Butyl
phthalate, Palatinol C, Phthalic acid di-n-butyl ester
- Molecular formula:
C16H22O4
- Molecular weight (theoretical): 278.34
Links
EU Risk Assessment
An EU Risk Assessment has been conducted on DBP and the final
outcome has now been published in the EU Official Journal. To
eliminate a potential risk to plants in the vicinity of processing
sites and possibly to workers through inhalation measures are to be
taken within the framework of the IPPC Directive (96/61/EC) and the
Occupational Exposure Directive (98/24/EC).
However, following the recent adoption of EU legislation with
regard to the marketing and use of phthalates in toys and childcare
articles, the risk assessment conclusions clearly state there
is no need for any further measures to regulate the use of DBP in
finished products.
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