Sustainable Hospitals

PVC

 
 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) has been the most commonly used polymer in the production of plastic hospital products because of its cost effectiveness, flexibility, and optical properties. Two concerns have been raised about the safety of PVC:
  • incineration of disposed PVC products can result in the formation of dioxin
     
  • DEHP, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, a plasticizer used in making PVC, can leach out of PVC into contained liquids such as IV fluids and enteral feeding products.
Both dioxin and DEHP have been identified by the EPA as probable carcinogens and possible endocrine disrupters.
 
Products using PVC in the hospital include:
 
basins
 hemodialysis equipment
 patient i.d. bracelets
bedpans
 inflatable splints
 respiratory therapy products
blood bags
 IV containers
 stationery supplies
catheters
 lab equipment
 tubing
drip chambers
 medical gloves
 thermal blankets
enteral feeding devices
 packaging
  
 
Health Care Without Harm's web site has more information on PVC & Medical Products.
  
 
 
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