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.