Distribution, metabolism, and excretion of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in the rat.

It has become increasingly evident in recent years that the dialkyl phthalate esters are widely distributed in our environment (1-4). As an explanation of this wide distribution there are many possible pathways by which these chemicals can be introduced into the human body. Jaeger and Rubin (5) have shown that di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) can be found in the tissues of patients who have received transfusions of blood stored in plastic bags. Moreover, the possibility of introducing significant quantities of phthalate esters to the system through ingestion of foodstuffs contaminated with these materials cannot be ignored. In order more fully to understand the toxicological implications of phthalate ester contamination, it is important to determine the fate of these materials once they are within the body. The study described here was undertaken in order to ascertain the distribution, metabolism, and elimination of DEHP administered to rats.