What is mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Phthalate exposure metabolite

MEHHP is a urinary metabolite formed when the body processes certain phthalate plasticizers. It acts as a short-term marker of recent exposure and helps show chemical burden from plastic-derived sources. Paired with other toxin measurements and detox genetics, MEHHP helps clinicians interpret exposure patterns in context.

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mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP)

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About mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP)

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About mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP)

Overview and History

MEHHP (mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate) is an oxidative metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer. Biochemically it arises after DEHP undergoes ester hydrolysis to MEHP followed by hydroxylation; MEHHP is eliminated in urine and is classified as a non-endogenous exposure biomarker rather than a metabolic regulator. MEHHP has been used in population biomonitoring studies to track human contact with phthalates from consumer products, food packaging, and indoor dust. Its clinical relevance lies in its role as a measurable indicator of recent or repeated exposure, helping compare exposure levels across individuals and populations.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated urinary MEHHP typically indicates recent or repeated contact with DEHP-related plasticizers—common sources include food packaging, flexible plastics, and household dust. Higher measurements suggest greater short-term exposure or accumulation relative to others, but do not by themselves indicate a specific health outcome. Low MEHHP may reflect low recent exposure, replacement of DEHP with other phthalates, faster metabolic clearance, or timing of sample collection. Interpretation should always be made alongside other toxins, exposure history, and detoxification genetics measured on the full Toxin Zoomer panel.

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MEHHP is included in the Toxin Zoomer to quantify recent phthalate exposure from plastics and consumer products. As a specific urinary biomarker, it helps map chemical burden and, when combined with detoxification genetic markers and other toxicants, refines the clinical picture of exposure patterns and individual clearance tendencies.

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mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) FAQs

What is mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and why is it important?

MEHHP is a breakdown product the body makes after exposure to certain plasticizers. It shows up in urine and gives a snapshot of recent contact with DEHP-related compounds. Measuring MEHHP helps reveal exposure patterns that may overlap with other chemical burdens and individual detox capacity.

What does it mean if my mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) levels are low?

Low urinary MEHHP usually means little recent exposure to DEHP-type plasticizers or faster metabolic clearance. It can also reflect when the urine was collected, substitution of DEHP with other chemicals, or lab variation. Low levels are best interpreted alongside other toxin results and genetic markers of detoxification.

What does it mean if my mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) levels are high?

Higher MEHHP suggests more recent or repeated exposure to DEHP-related plasticizers and a relatively higher short-term phthalate burden. Elevated results warrant interpretation with the rest of the Toxin Zoomer panel—other chemical measures, exposure history, and detox genetics—to understand source patterns and clearance differences.

Why is this biomarker included in the Toxin Zoomer?

MEHHP provides a specific, measurable indicator of phthalate exposure that complements heavy metals, PFAS, mycotoxins, and detox genetics on the panel. Together these data help clinicians identify exposure patterns, link lab findings to likely sources, and contextualize individual detox capacity for more precise assessment.

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