At a glance
| Chemical family | Brominated phthalate ester — flame retardant (Firemaster 550 component, structural analogue of DEHP) |
| CAS number | 26040-51-7 |
| Classification | Not IARC classified. Structural analogue of DEHP (a reproductive toxicant). Metabolises to TBMEHP (detected in human urine). Under investigation for endocrine-disrupting properties |
| Where you encounter it | Polyurethane foam in furniture and mattresses (Firemaster 550 component); wire and cable insulation; house dust (rising concentrations) |
| Sleep micro-environment relevance | Rising in house dust as a Firemaster 550 component. Structural analogue of DEHP raises concern for similar anti-androgenic effects. Exposure during sleep from foam products and dust |
Regulatory & certification status
| European Union | Not individually restricted. Not on the SVHC candidate list. The structural analogy to DEHP (an SVHC) has been noted by regulators but has not triggered restriction. Regulatory |
| United States | Not individually restricted. Included in the broader EPA OPFR and BFR assessment. TSCA inventory listed. Regulatory |
| Canada | Under assessment as part of the Chemicals Management Plan flame retardant grouping. Regulatory |
| International | Not IARC classified. Not a Stockholm Convention POP. Structural analogue of DEHP under increasing scientific scrutiny. Metabolite TBMEHP detected in biomonitoring. Regulatory |
What it is
TBPH is a tetrabromine-substituted phthalate diester — effectively DEHP with four bromine atoms added to the phthalic acid ring. This structural similarity to DEHP is toxicologically significant because DEHP is a well-characterised reproductive toxicant and endocrine disruptor (EU CLP Repr. 1B). TBPH was identified as a component of Firemaster 550 alongside TBB, TPHP, and IPTPP. It metabolises in the body to TBMEHP — a monoester analogous to MEHP (the active metabolite of DEHP). TBMEHP has been detected in human urine, confirming systemic exposure. The toxicological profile of TBPH is less well characterised than DEHP, but initial studies suggest thyroid hormone disruption and potential anti-androgenic activity. TBPH is not individually regulated — attention has focused on TPHP and the organophosphate components of FM550.
Where it shows up in bedding
TBPH enters the bedroom through the same pathway as other FM550 components: polyurethane foam in mattresses and furniture treated with Firemaster 550. TBPH migrates from foam to dust as products age. It has been detected in house dust surveys across North America and Europe at rising concentrations. TBPH is less volatile than the organophosphate FM550 components and is predominantly found in the particulate phase (dust) rather than air. During sleep, exposure occurs through dust ingestion and dermal contact with contaminated surfaces. The structural analogy to DEHP means TBPH exposure adds to the total phthalate-like body burden, though TBPH is not counted in traditional phthalate monitoring panels.
Citations
- Stapleton, H.M. et al. (2008). Detection of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Furniture Foam and U.S. House Dust. Environmental Science & Technology, 42(18): 6910-6916. Source Peer-reviewed
- Hoffman, K. et al. (2014). Temporal Trends in Exposure to Organophosphate Flame Retardants in the United States. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 1(2): 185-189. Source Peer-reviewed
- EPA (2015). Flame Retardants Used in Flexible Polyurethane Foam: Alternatives Assessment. Source Regulatory
Frequently asked questions
Is TBPH the same as DEHP?
No, but they are structurally related. TBPH is a brominated version of DEHP — it has four bromine atoms on the phthalate ring that DEHP lacks. This structural similarity means TBPH may share some of DEHP's endocrine-disrupting properties, but the brominated ring alters the toxicological profile. TBPH is used as a flame retardant (in FM550), while DEHP is used as a PVC plasticizer.
Has TBPH been detected in people?
Yes. TBPH metabolises to TBMEHP, which has been detected in human urine in biomonitoring studies. This confirms systemic exposure from house dust and direct contact with treated foam. TBMEHP is analogous to MEHP — the active metabolite of DEHP — but is not included in standard phthalate biomonitoring panels, so population-level exposure data is limited.
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.