Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is a pale yellow, or colorless, oily liquid (solid below 42 deg F) with slight aromatic odor. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Hence sinks in water. Flash point 300°F. Eye contact may produce severe irritation and direct skin contact may produce mild irritation.

Uses

Dimethyl phthalate has many uses, including in solid rocket propellants, plastics, and insect repellants, safety glass, and lacquer coatings.

Sources and Potential Exposure

Exposure to dimethyl phthalate may occur from food, from the use of hemodialysis tubing and polyvinylchloride bags containing intravenous solutions, and from drinking water. Occupational exposure to dimethylphthalate may occur for those workers in factories that manufacture or use the chemical.

Health Hazard Information

Acute Effects:

Acute exposure to dimethyl phthalate, via inhalation in humans and animals, results in irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Acute animal tests in rats have shown dimethyl phthalate to have moderate acute toxicity from oral and dermal exposures.

Chronic Effects  (Noncancer):

No information is available on the chronic effects of dimethyl phthalate in humans.Animal studies have reported slight effects on growth and on the kidney from chronic oral exposure to dimethyl phthalate.

EPA has not established a Reference Concentration (RfC) or a Reference Dose (RfD) for dimethyl phthalate.