Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Di(ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP)
PVC is a plastic polymer common in hospitals and healthcare due to its many medical and non-medical uses. PVC is a concern to public health throughout the lifecycle. Of primary concern, are dioxin and phthalate emissions. Dioxins are formed during the manufacture, disposal, incineration, and burning of PVC. DEHP is a phthalate used to plasticize or soften PVC products, which can leach from PVC medical devices. Both toxins are harmful to public health but can be especially harmful to the most vulnerable of patients such as infants, pregnant women or lactating mothers.
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Types of products that may contain PVC:* |
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gloves |
total parenteral nutrition |
wall coverings |
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blood bags |
umbilical vessel catheters |
plastic foods wrap |
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enteral administration sets |
urinary drainage catheters |
office furniture and supplies |
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enteral feeding tubes |
wound/drainage systems |
supplies |
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IV administration sets |
flooring |
cable and wire coatings |
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IV bags, IV tubing |
pipes |
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PICC lines |
carpet backing |
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*This list is not exhaustive |
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Types of devices that contain DEHP:* |
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IV bags |
adhesives |
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tubing |
lubricants |
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umbilical artery catheters |
inks |
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blood bags |
lotions |
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infusion tubing |
Cosmetics |
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enteral feeding products |
Flexible PVC building materials and interior finishes |
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nasogastric tubes |
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*This list is not exhaustive |
Some hospitals have already implemented PVC and/or DEHP-free purchasing policies by purchasing safe alternatives to plastic such as those manufactured with polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone or ethylene vinyl acetate content or multi-layer laminate plastics. Click on the links and resources below to learn more about making your hospital PVC and DEHP-free.
Additional Resources: