Evaluation of the 52-week chronic toxicity of a novel phthalate-free plasticizer, Eco-DEHCH (bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate), in Han Wistar rats

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology Vol. 176; p. 113809
• Main Authors: Lee, Ji-Young, Han, Hyo-Jeong, Ko, Soo Min, Jeong, Da Som, Kang, Jiyeon, Lee, Dong Hyun, Cha, Hwa Jun, Son, Woo-Chan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Alternative plasticizer; Animals; Bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate; Carboxylic Acids; Cyclohexanes; Diethylhexyl Phthalate - toxicity; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Eco-DEHCH; Esters - chemistry; Female; Humans; Male; Phthalate-free plasticizer; Phthalic Acids - toxicity; Plasticizers - toxicity; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Alternative plasticizer; Eco-DEHCH; Phthalate-free plasticizer; Bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113809
• ISSN: 0278-6915

Phthalate esters (PEs) are the most widely used class of plasticizers. Several PEs, however, were found to have adverse effects on the health of animals. A new phthalate-free plasticizer, Eco-DEHCH (bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate), was recently developed as an ecofriendly replacement for phthalate plasticizers and to be less harmful to organisms. The present study evaluated the long-term toxicity of Eco-DEHCH in Wistar Han rats to explore adverse effects and predict hazardous potential to humans. Forty male and forty female Wistar Han rats were exposed to Eco-DEHCH in dietary feed for 52 weeks, and their hematologic, coagulation, and serum biochemical parameters were monitored. The rats were subjected to close clinical, ophthalmic, and histopathologic examinations and urinalysis throughout the consumption of Eco-DEHCH. The effects of this plasticizer on food consumption and organ weight were also determined. Chronic exposure to Eco-DEHCH was generally safe, although it also resulted in α2u-globulin accumulation, a parameter with no human relevance. In conclusion, Eco-DEHCH can serve as a safe and promising alternative plasticizer. •A new phthalate-free plasticizer, Eco-DEHCH (bis(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate), was recently developed.•The present study evaluated the long-term toxicity of Eco-DEHCH in Wistar Han rats to predict hazardous potential to humans.•Chronic exposure to Eco-DEHCH was generally safe, except for α2u-globulin accumulation, a parameter with no human relevance.•Eco-DEHCH may be a promising alternative plasticizer with fewer adverse effects in daily use.