Exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) by all routes (i.e. inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact) is toxic to humans. It is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract and may cause burns, dermatitis, tearing, vomiting, nausea, dizziness and headache. Prolonged exposure may cause liver and kidney damage. DBP is teratogenic at high doses and is not genotoxic. The most typical effect of DBP is testicular atrophy. DBP may also have weak estrogenic activity. Studies have shown that DBP exerts toxic effects on liver mitochondria through the deregulation of energy linkage processes and inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase.