PVC and phthalates in medical devices: a never ending story.
Phthalate-plasticised poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) medical devices have been subject to critical attention for 15 years. This article reviews latest developments. It addresses whether hospitals have achieved their goal of phasing out PVC and phthalates and if it is a certainty that a medical device is better with regard to health and the environment just because it does not contain PVC and phthalates. European risk assessments are also reported.
Hansen
O Grøndahl
OG
PVC Information Council Denmark, Copenhagen. ogh@pvc.dk
D000818:Animals; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000633:toxicity; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000592:standards*; D005062:European Union; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000191:economics; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000633:toxicity; D011356:Product Labeling; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013548:Sweden
D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate