Patients come to hospitals to get better—not worse. 

But, with 70% of IV bags in the U.S. containing di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), many patients are being exposed to the toxic chemical that's been linked to several health risks, including certain types of cancer.¹

As a healthcare provider, you want to provide your patients with a care experience that's as safe as possible. 

With that in mind, here are four tips for reducing DEHP exposure at your healthcare facility: 

1. EDUCATE STAFF ON POTENTIAL DANGERS OF DEHP

Make sure nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers at your facility are aware of the potential risks of DEHP so they can limit how long and how often they're exposed.

2. IDENTIFY PRODUCTS THAT LIKELY CONTAIN DEHP

Any time you see a medical product made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at your facility, chances are it also contains DEHP. That's because PVC is rigid and brittle unless a plasticizer like DEHP is used as a softening agent.²

3. SEARCH FOR SAFE ALTERNATIVES NOT MADE WITH DEHP OR PVC

When it comes to medical products and devices, there are alternatives to DEHP that are both safe and cost-effective—providing the same functionality without the heightened health risks.² For example, some IV bags are made with polypropylene instead of PVC, for a safe alternative that doesn't require DEHP and also weighs less.³

4. REPLACE TOXIC IV BAGS AND TUBING

One change your facility can make is to replace IV bags and tubing with alternatives not made with DEHP. This change can have an impact on both patients and the environment.

Share this list with your patient safety and sustainability leaders to discuss how you can create a safe environment for your patients and hospital staff.