Menu

EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

Donate

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Crowley Water System (LAWCO)

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.

 

20

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
2014N/A00N/A
20151.15 ppb42ND - 2.30 ppb
2016ND60ND
2017ND20ND
2018ND80ND
2019N/A00N/A

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
2015-11-1635217290003ND
2015-11-16352172900022.30 ppb
2015-11-16352172900022.30 ppb
2015-11-1635217290003ND
2016-03-1735235879010ND
2016-03-1735235879009ND
2016-03-1735235879010ND
2016-03-1735235879009ND
2016-08-0235258250013ND
2016-08-0235258250013ND
2017-11-0635346732001ND
2017-11-0635346732001ND
2018-07-3035407885001ND
2018-07-3035407885004ND
2018-07-3035407885003ND
2018-07-3035407885002ND
2018-07-3035407885001ND
2018-07-3035407885004ND
2018-07-3035407885003ND
2018-07-3035407885002ND