ABSTRACT

Polyvinyl chloride plastics, made flexible through the addition of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, are used in the production of a wide array of medical devices. Animal studies demonstrated that exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DHEP) can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system, particularly the developing testes of prenatal and neonatal males. Especially early in life di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate exposure may adversely affect male reproductive tract development. Thus, the United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a Public Health Notification on Polyvinyl chloride plastics devices containing di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, urging health care providers to use di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate -free devices for certain vulnerable patients.