Health Care Without Harm Report:
International coalition of hospitals, health care systems and medical professionals
International coalition of hospitals, health care systems and medical professionals
In October, 2005, The National Toxicology Program (NTP) re-affirmed that diethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) poses a risk to human development and fertility. DEHP is widely used as a plasticizer to make vinyl plastic soft and flexible. The NTP’s second Expert Panel evaluated the last five years of science on DEHP exposure and toxicity relevant to human reproduction. Despite claims from DEHP manufacturers that the chemical is not of concern to humans, the Expert Panel concluded otherwise.
The panel re-affirmed its previous conclusions:
- DEHP is a reproductive and development toxicant in animal studies that are relevant to humans
- health care is a significant source of DEHP exposure
- levels of DEHP exposure in sick infants receiving medical care are of serious concern
- because DEHP crosses the placenta, pregnant women receiving medical treatments are also of concern
- DEHP is a reproductive and development toxicant in animal studies that are relevant to humans
- health care is a significant source of DEHP exposure
- levels of DEHP exposure in sick infants receiving medical care are of serious concern
- because DEHP crosses the placenta, pregnant women receiving medical treatments are also of concern
The panel slightly reduced their levels of concern in children 1-6 years of age and the general population of pregnant and nursing women because of better data on exposure levels.
To read full report click here
To read full report click here
Several relevant links for Health Care Workers:
Health Care Institutions Reducing PVC & DEHP
List of PVC-Free Health Care Alternatives
Why Healthcare is moving away from PVC
PVC/DEHP Hospital Audit Tool
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