Couple facing fertility challenges due to environmental toxins.

Is This Common Plasticizer Harming Your Fertility? The Hidden Dangers of Ethyl Hydrogen Adipate

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals the potential reproductive and developmental toxicity of ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA), a chemical found in plastics, resins, and more. Are you unknowingly exposed?"

In today's world, we're constantly surrounded by chemicals in everyday products, from plastics to adhesives. While many of these chemicals are considered safe, emerging research suggests that some may pose hidden risks to our health, particularly our reproductive systems. One such chemical is ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA).

EHA is a versatile compound used in a variety of applications, including the production of synthetic resins, adhesives, and even some pharmaceuticals. It's also found in fuel additives, pigments, paints, and inks. While its widespread use makes it a valuable industrial chemical, recent studies have raised concerns about its potential toxicity, particularly concerning reproductive and developmental health.

This article dives into a recent study investigating the effects of EHA on reproductive function and development in rats. By understanding the potential risks associated with EHA exposure, you can make informed decisions to protect your health and fertility.

What the Science Says: EHA's Impact on Reproduction

Couple facing fertility challenges due to environmental toxins.

A recent study published in Toxicological Research investigated the potential reproductive and developmental toxicity of EHA in rats. The researchers administered varying doses of EHA to male and female rats to observe its effects on their reproductive systems and the development of their offspring.

The results of the study revealed several concerning effects, particularly at higher doses of EHA:

Mortality: A significant number of male and female rats died at the highest dose (800 mg/kg/day).
Weight Loss: Both male and female rats experienced body weight loss at higher doses.
Reproductive Issues: Parental animals exhibited decreased mating indices (frequency of mating) and increased pre-implantation loss rates (failure of fertilized eggs to implant in the uterus).
Gestation Problems: Both male and female rats experienced a decreased gestation index (successful pregnancies).
Developmental Effects: The body weight of pups born to mothers exposed to the highest dose of EHA was significantly reduced.

Based on these findings, the researchers determined the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for EHA to be 400 mg/kg/day for parental males, 200 mg/kg/day for parental females, and 400 mg/kg/day for pups. This means that adverse effects were observed at doses higher than these levels.

Protecting Your Fertility: What You Can Do

While this study was conducted on rats, it raises important questions about the potential impact of EHA on human reproductive health. More research is needed to fully understand the risks, but taking proactive steps to minimize your exposure to EHA and other potentially harmful chemicals is always a good idea.

Unfortunately, because EHA is a common chemical, it's difficult to avoid it completely. However, some ways of reducing your exposure may include:

While the information presented here is based on scientific research, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your fertility or potential chemical exposures, consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5487/tr.2016.32.4.327, Alternate LINK

Title: Reproductive And Developmental Toxicity Screening Test Of Ethyl Hydrogen Adipate In Rats

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Toxicological Research

Publisher: The Korean Society of Toxicology

Authors: Chunja Nam, Jae-Sik Hwang, Kyoung-Goo Han, Eunhye Jo, Sun-Kyoung Yoo, Ig-Chun Eom, Jong-Koo Kang

Published: 2016-10-30

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA)?

Ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA) is a chemical compound used in the production of synthetic resins, adhesives, fuel additives, pigments, paints, and inks. It's a versatile industrial chemical found in many everyday products.

Why is the research on Ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA) so important?

The research on EHA is significant because it suggests potential reproductive and developmental toxicity. Studies on rats showed that high doses of EHA led to mortality, weight loss, reproductive issues (decreased mating indices and increased pre-implantation loss), gestation problems, and developmental effects (reduced pup weight). This information is important because it alerts us to potential health hazards related to EHA exposure.

What specific issues did the study on Ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA) find?

The study found that EHA exposure in rats resulted in several adverse effects. These included mortality at high doses, weight loss, and reproductive issues like decreased mating and increased pre-implantation loss. Furthermore, the research showed decreased gestation indices (successful pregnancies) and reduced body weight in the pups of exposed mothers. These effects can have significant implications for overall reproductive health and the development of offspring.

What is the meaning of the 'no-observed-adverse-effect level' (NOAEL) regarding Ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA) found in the research?

The researchers determined the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for EHA. This means they identified the highest dose at which no adverse effects were observed. The NOAEL was found to be 400 mg/kg/day for parental males, 200 mg/kg/day for parental females, and 400 mg/kg/day for pups. Exceeding these levels resulted in the observed negative health impacts.

What does this research on Ethyl hydrogen adipate (EHA) mean for me?

While the study focused on rats, the findings raise concerns about potential impacts of EHA on human reproductive health. Though more research is needed, the potential risks identified in the study suggest that minimizing exposure to EHA and other potentially harmful chemicals is a proactive step towards protecting your health and fertility. This could involve being aware of the products used daily that contain EHA.