Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Harford County Department of Public Works
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.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2014 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2016 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | ND | 7 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 4 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-04-14 | 0120016_03_L5015 | ND |
| 2014-07-22 | 0120016_01_00029 | ND |
| 2014-07-22 | 0120016_03_00029 | ND |
| 2014-09-03 | 0120016_03_20271 | ND |
| 2014-10-20 | 0120016_02_00148 | ND |
| 2015-04-06 | 2063479001B | ND |
| 2015-07-06 | L5692388-1 | ND |
| 2015-10-19 | E16001689007 | ND |
| 2015-10-19 | E16001689009 | ND |
| 2016-04-04 | L6167673_1_A | ND |
| 2016-05-09 | E16004258004 | ND |
| 2016-05-09 | E16004258002 | ND |
| 2016-05-09 | E16004258006 | ND |
| 2016-07-11 | 3496449 | ND |
| 2017-04-05 | 3672580 | ND |
| 2017-04-05 | 3672580_A | ND |
| 2017-04-19 | E17004140001 | ND |
| 2017-04-19 | E17004139001 | ND |
| 2017-06-19 | E17005021001 | ND |
| 2017-06-26 | 3720780_81 | ND |
| 2017-07-10 | 2245174002 | ND |
| 2018-05-07 | 8051040_01 | ND |
| 2018-06-04 | E18004355009 | ND |
| 2018-06-04 | E18004355007 | ND |
| 2018-06-04 | E18004355011 | ND |
| 2019-05-14 | 9050789_01 | ND |
| 2019-07-31 | E20000444001 | ND |
| 2019-08-13 | 9080708_01 | ND |