Groups Urge Warning Label for Medical Devices Containing Toxic Chemical

Abstract

NUMEROUS HEALTH CARE GROUPS, including theAmericanMedical Association and the American Nurses Association, are urging the US FoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)to act on a 2002 warning about the widespread presence of a toxic chemical in medical devices made of polyvinyl chloride. The groups are calling for mandatory labeling of such products. The chemical, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), is used as a plasticizer of polyvinyl chloride in the manufacture of a wide variety of consumer goods. Experts caution that DEHP can leach from vinyl plastic medical devices and into patients, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, especially male infants.