An Information Resource on the use and benefits of plasticisers in medical applications
 Phthalates in medical applications
- proven life savers
Medical devices are crucial to the high standards of modern
healthcare that we often take for granted. Soft PVC in medical
devices saves thousands of lives and increases the comfort and
safety of millions of patients every year. No other material
meets all the vital performance qualities demanded by health
professionals and at such affordable prices.
Phthalates are plasticisers that confer the flexibility and
softness that makes them the first choice among healthcare
professionals around the world.
No grounds for restrictions say EU scientists
The European Union's Scientific Committee on Medicinal Products
and Medical Devices has published an Opinion on the use of
di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in medical devices saying that it
can make no recommendations to limit its use, even for the most
highly exposed patients.
Report challenges religious activism behind bogus medical vinyl
scare
A long running campaign to rid hospitals and other health care
facilities of medical vinyl products - endorsed by a variety of
religious supporters - has dangerously overstated the risks
associated with vinyl (PVC) use and diverted attention from much
more serious health threats, according to a report from the Acton
Institute.
Neonate exposure to DEHP doesn't harm physical or sexual
growth
New study confirms no long-term effects from life-saving
medical devices
A study of a group of teenagers, highly exposed to
di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as babies, has shown no adverse
effects on their physical growth or sexual development. The study,
on 19 children aged between 14 and 16 years old, was conducted to
investigate whether exposure to high levels of DEHP by neonates
might cause adverse health effects. However, it showed that
pubertal maturity, liver, renal and male and female reproductive
functions were normal.
Sweden: Risk from plasticisers in PVC is clearly
exaggerated
Suspected risks must be balanced against patient benefit, and
the risk of cancer in connection with plasticisers is clearly
exaggerated - these are two of the Swedish National Board of Health
and Welfare's conclusions in a report to the government.
A great many medical products are made of PVC plastics with
plasticiser, an additive which ever since the 1970s has been
discussed as being a potentially dangerous substance. "The Swedish
National Board of Health and Welfare's report gives a further green
light for the use of PVC products in medical treatment - a
clarification which is important and urgent", says the Swedish
Association of Suppliers of Medical Devices [SLF] in a
commentary.
Denmark: Much more data needed before DEHP can be
substituted
The Danish EPA has issued an Evaluation of Plasticisers for PVC
for Medical Devices which involved looking at nine possible
alternatives and making a comparison with DEHP. The report says
that none of the substances was rejected as potential alternatives
but that much more data are needed before DEHP can be seriously
substituted in medial devices.
US activist group gets it wrong again!
What does the Medical Device Industry say?
What do doctors and scientists say?
What does the media say?
What does the PVC and Vinyl Industry say?
More Information ...
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