Action on PVC

In June 2008, the Philippine Department of Health published an advisory recommending that hospitals use PVC-free products for high exposure risk procedures, especially for highly sensitive patients such as newborn boys, pregnant women carrying male fetuses and peripubertal boys.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Neonatal Unit at Rivadavia Hospital has replaced the majority of DEHP-containing products with silicon alternatives.

India has had a PVC incineration ban in place since 1998. The WHO is advocating for the selection of PVC-free medical devices as a short term solution to medical waste problems.

In perhaps the most significant development, China has reportedly begun moving to ban PVC medical products. New IV bag manufacturing done in the country is required to use non-PVC materials. Today there are at least three companies in China producing PVC-free IV-bags, ports, films and other products for domestic and global consumption. Indeed, if China truly moves to PVC-free medical devices, it will help create huge demand and supply for alternatives on a global scale.

Action on PVC is even more advanced in Europe and North America. See the phthalates page or the resources page for more information.

There are thousands of PVC products on the market and many are not labelled, so making a complete PVC substation can be a daunting task. However, some simple steps can make a real difference.

First check commonly used products like gloves and IV solution containers. Check with suppliers if they are not labelled. Cheap and effective alternatives to these are available almost everywhere in the world. Non-PVC files and office supplies can also be easily obtained in most places. Where a PVC-free alternative is identified, make it a policy only to use that product in the future.

A broader PVC audit can be carried out with or by the procurement department. HCWH factsheets can tell you how. Our lists of PVC alternatives from the USA and Europe can help identify suppliers. If the suppliers of the alternative you need operate it your country, contact them and ask about supplying it there as well.

HCWH has compiled a list of US healthcare facilities that are taking action to replace PVC and DEHP. If you are part of a facility elsewhere in the world that is taking action on PVC or DEHP, please email info AT hcwh.org to tell us about it.