Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)

Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a material used to increase the flexibility of plastics. It can be found in toothbrushes, car tires, food packaging, and cosmetics. The release of DEP from these products is fairly easy, though there has been no scientific evidence to demonstrate that DEP is harmful to humans. It has been noted, however, that DEP can build up in aquatic life that live in waters containing DEP; high doses of DEP have also led to adverse health effects in animal experiments.

DEP is often consumed by humans through consuming foods that have been in plastic packaging, drinking waters near waste sites and landfills containing DEP, or using consumer products that contain it.

Sources:

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=602&toxid=112

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.107110

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105848