Teratogenicity studies of alkylaryl phosphate ester plasticizers in rats.

Santicizer 141 plasticizer (2-ethylhexyldiphenyl phosphate) and Santicizer 148 plasticizer (isodecyldiphenyl phosphate) were tested for teratogenic activity in Charles River COBS CD rats. Groups of 25 mated females were given 0, 300, 1000, or 3000 mg/kg/day by gavage on Days 6 through 15 (Santicizer 141) or 6 through 19 (Santicizer 148) of gestation. Mean maternal body weight gains were slightly and severely reduced at the mid- and high-dose levels of Santicizer 141, respectively. Body weights were not affected by treatment with Santicizer 148. Most malformations found in groups treated with either plasticizer occurred as single incidences and have been observed in historical controls. Thus, no teratogenic response was observed in rats after treatment with either of these two alkylaryl phosphates during the period of organogenesis.