By: Joseph Di Gangi, PhD
Greenpeace USA
A Greenpeace investigation revealed the widespread presence of DEHP, a toxic phthalate softener, in a sample of 46 common PVC medical products from twelve countries. Like toys, soft PVC medical products easily release DEHP to surrounding fluids. This occurs in devices such as intravenous (IV) bag solutions. Many countries have already taken precautionary action to restrict the use of DEHP and other phthalates in PVC toys due to concerns about exposure in young children. The US toy industry voluntarily stopped using DEHP in toys designed for the mouth in 1986. No similar restriction exists for PVC medical devices that release DEHP directly into the body.
