BBP (Butyl Benzyl Phthalate)CAS 85-68-7
Asymmetric mixed-ester phthalate used in PVC flooring — anti-androgen reproductive toxicant.
Toxic Chemical Databases
Substance-specific listings — these flags are for BBP alone, not for the broader family.
Chemical Type
Mixed-Ester Aromatic Phthalate
Chemical Description
BBP combines a butyl ester and a benzyl ester on the phthalate ring — the asymmetry gives it intermediate properties between short-chain DBP and longer-chain DEHP. Used historically as a plasticizer in vinyl tile flooring, vinyl wallcovering, and synthetic leather. EU REACH classifies BBP as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant. CPSC bans it from children's products.
Biological Activity
Severity scores specific to this substance, NOT the parent family average. Differences between siblings are real and meaningful.
Top Health Consequences
- Anti-androgen reproductive toxicity — REACH Category 1B
- Altered fetal reproductive tract development
- Endocrine disruption with thyroid signaling effects
- Migration into house dust over service life
Pathways of Exposure
- Ingestion of house dust from vinyl flooring and wallcovering
- Dermal absorption from synthetic-leather products
- Inhalation of off-gassed monomer
Building Materials with BBP
Listed alphabetically — product categories where this specific substance appears.
Resilient Vinyl Tile Flooring
Synthetic Leather Upholstery
Vinyl Wall Coverings
How We Keep BBP Out of a House
BBP is on our avoid list, which means it is specified out of the project before bidding — not caught on site. Keeping chemistry like this out of the house is the practical difference between a healthy home and an ordinary one.
If you want a house specified this way from the start, or an existing house assessed for what is already in it, that is the work we do. Earth Bound Homes builds in Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Mateo County and across the San Francisco Bay Area.