Name Di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP) Also known as dibutyl phthalate CAS number 84‐74‐2 EINECS number 201‐557‐4 What is DBP? DBP is a substance that is used as a plasticiser to make PVC plastic soft and flexible. It is a colourless and odourless organic chemical. Where is it used? DBP is used in a range of soft PVC products including footwear, electrical cables, and artificial leather. It is also used in printing inks, adhesives, sealants/grouting agents, nitrocellulose paints, film coatings and glass fibres. Why is it used? Plasticisers are essential to make PVC flexible. PVC is rigid by nature but plasticisers give it similar properties to rubber: it becomes flexible and expandable, whilst retaining its shape. There are many different plasticisers available but a manufacturer of PVC will make what they believe to be the best choice for their particular products. DBP is used because for many years it has provided particularly good processing and end product performance. Is it safe? The use of DBP has been carefully considered by EU scientists and it is already well regulated by European legislation relating to toys and childcare articles, cosmetics, food contact materials and medicinal products. Indeed, DBP has been used for more than 50 years without a single known case of anyone having been harmed as a result. DBP is not classified as a human carcinogen or mutagen and it does not accumulate in humans or in the environment Why is DBP on the REACH Candidate List? Substances are placed on the Candidate List for authorisation based on their potential to cause harm (their hazard) rather than on any actual risk they may pose. In the case of DBP, it has been put on the candidate list due to reproductive effects that have been seen during tests on rodents. However, as these effects are only seen at levels much higher than humans are usually exposed to, there is no danger from its use in most everyday PVC products. Where can I find more information? www.dbp‐facts.com