Abstract |
Dimethyl terephthalate is a white crystalline solid. It is manufactured by the oxidation of para-xylene to terephthalic acid, with subsequent methanol esterification. Dimethyl terephthalate is used almost exclusively in the production of polyester fibers and polyester films. Data on human health effects from dimethyl terephthalate are lacking, and there is no standard for occupational exposures. Contact with dust may be slightly toxic only at high doses. No effects on vegetation have been documented. Emission control methods and reported efficiencies are: scrubbers, bag filters, and incinerators. Based on the results of the health effects research presented in this report, and the ambient concentration estimates, dimethyl terephthalate as an air pollutant apparently does not pose a threat to the health of the general population. In addition, dimethyl terephthalate does not appear to pose other environmental insults which would warrant further investigation or restriction of its use at the present time. |