At a glance
| Chemical family | Phthalate ester — PVC plasticizer (di-n-octyl ester of phthalic acid) |
| CAS number | 117-84-0 |
| Classification | Not classified as a reproductive toxicant (unlike DEHP, DBP, BBP). Not evaluated by IARC. CPSIA provisionally restricted in some children's products pending further review |
| Where you encounter it | PVC vinyl flooring; cable and wire insulation; some packaging films; carpet backing; house dust |
| Sleep micro-environment relevance | Found in house dust from PVC-containing products. Lower toxicological concern than DEHP/DBP/BBP. Part of the cumulative phthalate exposure during sleep |
Regulatory & certification status
| European Union | REACH registered. Not on the SVHC candidate list. Not classified as a reproductive toxicant under CLP. Not subject to REACH Annex XIV authorisation (unlike DEHP/DBP/BBP). Regulatory |
| United States | CPSIA Section 108 included DnOP in the interim ban (>0.1%) in children's toys pending CHAP review. The CHAP (2014) did not recommend permanent restriction. EPA phthalate action plan included DnOP. Regulatory |
| Canada | Not restricted in children's products (unlike DEHP, DBP, BBP). Under assessment. Regulatory |
| International | Not IARC classified. Not classified as a reproductive toxicant by major agencies. Considered lower concern than DEHP/DBP/BBP among the phthalate family. Regulatory |
What it is
DnOP is the di-n-octyl ester of phthalic acid — a higher-molecular-weight phthalate that provides flexibility to PVC at lower volatility than the shorter-chain phthalates. Unlike DEHP, DBP, and BBP, DnOP has not been classified as a reproductive toxicant by the EU or other major regulatory bodies. Available animal studies have not shown the anti-androgenic effects characteristic of the lower-molecular-weight phthalates. DnOP was included in the US CPSIA Section 108 interim ban on six phthalates in children's toys pending further review by the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP), but the CHAP subsequently recommended that DnOP did not warrant permanent restriction based on available toxicological data.
Where it shows up in bedding
DnOP enters the bedroom through the same pathway as other phthalates — migration from PVC products (primarily vinyl flooring and cable insulation) into house dust. It is not a mattress ingredient. Compared to DEHP, DnOP is found at lower concentrations in most dust surveys, partly because it is used less widely and partly because its higher molecular weight reduces volatility. During sleep, exposure occurs through the same dust ingestion and inhalation pathways as other phthalates, but at lower levels and with lower toxicological concern.
Citations
- CPSC Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (2014). Report on Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives. Source Regulatory
- ECHA. Di-n-octyl phthalate — Substance Information. Source Regulatory
- EPA. Phthalates Action Plan — Overview. Source Regulatory
Frequently asked questions
Is DnOP as dangerous as DEHP?
No. DnOP has not been classified as a reproductive toxicant, unlike DEHP, DBP, and BBP. Available animal studies have not found the anti-androgenic effects characteristic of those higher-priority phthalates. The CPSC Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel reviewed DnOP and did not recommend permanent restriction. DnOP is considered lower concern among the phthalate family.
Should I worry about DnOP in house dust?
At typical household dust concentrations, DnOP is not expected to cause health effects. It contributes to cumulative phthalate exposure but is not the primary driver of concern — DEHP and DINP are typically present at higher concentrations and receive more regulatory attention. Reducing overall dust levels through regular cleaning benefits total phthalate exposure regardless of the specific compounds present.
Related compounds
Embr is a sleep environment company researching and addressing the chemistry of the bedroom. Research and product development in progress.
Last reviewed 2026-07-08. If you find a factual error, contact us.