Patients exposed to toxic chemicals in PVC medical products

Amsterdam, 20 October 1999 - Laboratory test results released by Greenpeace today showed the presence of a toxic additive in medical devices made of PVC. The same toxic additive was banned in soft PVC toys last year by nine countries due to concerns about its release and ingestion.

Independent laboratory testing of 46 products such as intravenous bags, syringes, tubing and catheters from 12 countries, revealed levels of 12% -80% by weight of the toxic additive known as DEHP (considered to be a carcinogen and cause of testicular damage). Products were tested from Austria, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, the UK and the US. The medical product testing revealed many items that were not made of PVC and did not contain DEHP.

"Lessons learned on additives in soft PVC toys need to be applied to medical devices," said Joe Di Gangi, PhD and author of the Greenpeace report. "Why expose a vulnerable population such as patients to toxic chemicals, when alternatives are readily available?" he added.

Axel Singhofen of Greenpeace said "The prescription is simple: hospitals should switch to non-PVC products."