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Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

CAS 56-53-1

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Also known as: diethylstilbestrol, des, stilbestrol

Part of family: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

What it is + why it's regulated

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen. It was once prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage, but it is no longer used for that purpose. DES may also be found in some older veterinary products. California's Proposition 65 lists DES because it is known to cause cancer and can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added DES to the list in 1987 based on scientific evidence showing these risks. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative. Source: California OEHHA Proposition 65 List (https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list).

Authoritative source

Issuing body: California Proposition 65
Primary register: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

Always verify each fact at the primary register before acting on it.

What this is NOT

ProductGuru is an INDEX of public regulatory data, not a primary source. This page is not medical, occupational-health, or legal advice. Every claim above is drawn from the issuing-agency register linked. Inclusion in our index is not endorsement, condemnation, or hazard assessment.

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