EPA Concludes Unreasonable Risk for 5 Phthalates

On December 31, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final risk evaluations for five widely used phthalates, concluding that specific industrial uses present unreasonable risks to workers and the environment.

Phthalates are a group of industrial chemical compounds, commonly used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, durability, and longevity of plastic products. The chemicals that were evaluated include:

• Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
• Dicyclohexyl Phthalate (DCHP)
• Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP)
• Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP)

EPA has clarified that this evaluation does not include exposures regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (e.g., food packaging, medical devices, household use, cosmetics, etc.). The focus is on conditions of use covered under federal chemical safety law, specifically occupational exposures and environmental releases.

What Was Determined?

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA must evaluate whether a chemical presents an “unreasonable risk” under its conditions of use. If such a determination is made, EPA is legally required to develop regulations to address those risks.

EPA found:

1. Worker risks for all five phthalates
2. Environmental risks for four of the five phthalates
3. No unreasonable risk to the general population from TSCA-covered consumer uses

Finding #3 means that based on available data and modeled exposure scenarios, consumer uses did not exceed exposure thresholds associated with adverse health effects.

DEHP showed the broadest range of concern, with 10 worker-related conditions of use and 20 environmental conditions identified as presenting unreasonable risk.

EPA also emphasized that adverse health effects (including endocrine disruption and hormone-related impacts) occur at only certain exposure levels. Risk determinations were based on real-world exposure scenarios, cumulative exposure analysis, and updated dermal modeling that incorporated human data.

What’s Next?

Because unreasonable risks were identified, EPA is now required to develop risk management rules. These regulations will target the specific industrial uses and exposure scenarios driving the risk findings.

Potential regulatory outcomes could include:

• Engineering control requirements
• Workplace exposure limits
• PPE mandates
• Restrictions on certain uses
• Environmental release controls

EPA indicated it will consult with workers, industry, and other stakeholders as part of rule development.

How Walden Can Help

Facilities that manufacture, process, or use plasticizers, PVC materials, coatings, or polymer-based products should begin preparing for regulatory updates now.

Walden can assist by:

• Reviewing chemical inventories,
• Identifying whether these five phthalates are present,
• Evaluating existing engineering controls and ventilation,
• Conducting employee training,
• And more!

Monitoring TSCA developments and proactively assessing chemical profiles is critical to maintaining compliance and minimizing exposure risk. Contact Walden’s Environmental Health and Safety specialists to discuss your facility’s needs at 860-846-4069.