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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Mililani

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP, is a softener added to PVC plastics. Phthalates are hormone disruptors that target the male reproductive system. Read More.

DEHP can cross the placenta and disrupt steroid hormone synthesis, and may lead to cancer. In laboratory animals, exposure to DEHP during pregnancy harms fetal developmental and causes abnormalities in the male reproductive tract. Human epidemiological studies show certain phthalates, especially DEHP, are associated with reduced anogenital distance in human male infants, which is a measure of adverse developmental effects in human male� infants exposed prenatally to endocrine disrupting chemicals. DEHP may also interfere with signaling related to the timing of birth and may have adverse effects on the immune system.

 

18

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2013N/A00N/A
2014ND80ND
2015N/A00N/A
2016N/A00N/A
2017ND50ND
2018ND30ND
2019ND20ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 3 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 3 ppb for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 6 ppb

The legal limit for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, established in 1992, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date Lab ID Result
2014-01-30201402060226ND
2014-02-18201402200344ND
2014-02-18201402200346ND
2014-02-25201402280294ND
2014-03-05201403070222ND
2014-07-08201407100616ND
2014-10-24201410280162ND
2014-10-31201411040540ND
2017-02-01ND
2017-02-09ND
2017-11-01ND
2017-11-01ND
2017-11-14ND
2018-01-29201801300809ND
2018-04-10201804130364ND
2018-10-24201810260095ND
2019-03-12201903020135ND
2019-06-27201906190032ND