The metabolism of DEHP involves several pathways and yields a variety of metabolites. The
major step in the metabolism of DEHP is hydrolysis by lipases to MEHP (mono(2-
ethylhexyl)phthalate) and 2-ethylhexanol, which is common to all investigated species. MEHP
is a relatively major component in urine of monkeys, guinea pigs and mice but was in most
cases not detected in rat urine. However, MEHP is present in plasma in all species tested. The
substance is excreted via the urine, mainly as MEHP-metabolites, but some excretion via bile
also occurs in rodents. The elimination of DEHP largely depends on its metabolism and it might
take 5-7 days to eliminate 80% of the DEHP administrated. The half-life for DEHP and its
metabolites was 3-5 days in the adipose tissue and 1-2 days in the liver. The elimination is
most rapid in rats. In the DEHP data base, it has been observed that the oral absorption of
DEHP to some extent is age dependent, and the EU RAR is concluding on oral absorption
percentages of 100 % in young animals and 50 % in adult animals.