Tricresyl Phosphate (TCP)CAS 1330-78-5

Mixed isomer flame retardant — the ortho-isomer (TOCP) is a notorious neurotoxin.

Other Flame Retardants substances:Antimony Trioxide Decabromodiphenyl Ether Hexabromocyclododecane Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) Phosphate

Building products and consumer items containing Flame Retardants family members

Tricresyl Phosphate belongs to the Flame Retardants family — products shown above commonly contain one or more substances from this family

Toxic Chemical Databases

Substance-specific listings — these flags are for Tricresyl Phosphate alone, not for the broader family.

LBC Red List

Listed

Prop 65

Listed

IARC

Not Listed

NTP RoC

Not Listed

GSPI

Not Listed

REACH SVHC

Watch

TSCA

Listed

Chemical Type

Organophosphate Flame Retardant & Plasticizer

Chemical Description

Tricresyl phosphate is a mixture of ortho, meta, and para cresyl isomers. The ortho-isomer (TOCP) is the most studied — it caused the 1930s 'Ginger Jake' paralysis epidemic and remains the textbook organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) agent. Commercial TCP is now manufactured to minimize ortho content, but residual ortho-isomer at parts-per-million levels is still neurotoxic with chronic exposure. Used as a flame retardant in PVC, hydraulic fluids, and plasticizer in synthetic rubber.

Biological Activity

Severity scores specific to this substance, NOT the parent family average. Differences between siblings are real and meaningful.

Neurological

9/10

Reproductive

7/10

Endocrine

6/10

Developmental

6/10

Liver/Kidney

5/10

Cancer

4/10

Immune

4/10

Cardiovascular

4/10

Respiratory

3/10

Skin

4/10

Top Health Consequences

Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) — irreversible peripheral nerve damage
Cholinesterase inhibition at high exposure
Reproductive toxicity and reduced fertility endpoints
Endocrine activity at low chronic doses

Pathways of Exposure

Off-gassing from flexible PVC and synthetic rubber products
Inhalation of aerosolized hydraulic fluid (aviation cabin air)
Skin contact with treated upholstery

Building Materials with Tricresyl Phosphate

Listed alphabetically — product categories where this specific substance appears.

Electrical Cable & Wire Jacketing
Flexible PVC Sheet & Membrane
Hydraulic & Lubricant-Treated Components
Synthetic Rubber Hoses & Gaskets

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