Assessments conducted for the governments of the United States, Canada, and the European Union have all concluded that exposures to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are of concern to some patient populations and subsets of the general public. Especially vulnerable are infants and toddlers, pregnant and lactating women, and patients undergoing certain medical procedures. All of the government-sponsored assessments point to the need for action, with the Canadian and Swedish studies recommending specific action to reduce DEHP exposure in health care and other vulnerable populations.

A list of cities, companies, health care associations, and organizations that have passed resolutions on PVC, DEHP, dioxin and medical waste incineration.

Human exposure to DEHP occurs throughout life. The exposure to this toxic chemical begins in the womb, rises dramatically for premature infants and newborns requiring intensive care in a neonatal unit, and declines with their removal from intravenous, enteral feeding and oxygen therapy systems and their arrival at home. The report reviews the various points of exposure to DEHP and ways to prevent such exposures.

PVC, or “vinyl” as it is often called, has some advantageous attributes, including flexibility, transparency, and strength. But PVC can also adversely impact human health and the environment. A chemical used to make PVC flexible is leaching out of PVC medical devices and exposing patients. That chemical, di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP), is a reproductive toxicant. For this reason, many hospitals are seeking alternatives to PVC plastic medical devices, building products, and office supplies.

List of health care institutions committed to reducing PVC and DEHP in their facilities.