The Issue

• Environmental and health problems posed by PVC
• Effect of phthalates on health
• PVC-free medical devices
• Regulation of DEHP and current EU legislation
• More information about PVC alternatives

The physical properties and low production costs of PVC have made it the material of choice for medical devices.

From an environment and health perspective, however, PVC is far from ideal, posing problems throughout its life-cycle. PVC is carbon-intensive to manufacture, exposes patients to harmful substances during use, and creates hazardous pollutants during disposal.

These problems are leading many hospitals to seek alternative materials for medical devices. Dozens of hospitals across Europe are phasing out PVC.

Latest News about PVC and Alternatives

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Neonatal Exposure to Phthalates in Hospitals

Multiple treatments using PVC devices can lead to ill infants having DEHP levels as high as 3mg/kg/day for periods lasting several weeks. This level of exposure exceeds the levels observed to have an effect in animal studies.

Medical Devices Aren't the Only Problem

PVC is used throughout healthcare facilities: in carpets and flooring, gloves, gowns, curtains, windows and building materials. Although for decades a material of choice, its ubiquitous use poses many environmental health problems. Find out more about PVC, Health and the Environment.