THE CALIFORNIA TOXIC-FREE MEDICAL DEVICES ACT: A WIN FOR HEALTH SAFETY
Imagine being a patient, fighting a severe illness and trusting the medical equipment used in your treatment, only to discover that it might actually make you sicker.
That risk can be very real for patients treated with IV bags and tubing made with a toxic chemical known as DEHP. Fortunately, California has stepped up and passed a new healthcare law protecting patients from this threat.
WHAT IS DEHP?
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common chemical that is added to plastics, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make them more flexible.1
The dangerous part? DEHP can leach into medications contained in these devices, which are then infused into patients receiving IV therapy. This toxic chemical has been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer and birth defects.1
Shockingly, about 70% of IV bags and tubing used in the U.S. contain this chemical, posing a serious health risk, especially to patients battling cancer.
CALIFORNIA TAKES ACTION
Recognizing the risk, the California State Legislature passed the California Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act.2 It bans DEHP from IV bags and tubing used in the state, encouraging a safer, healthier approach to all patient care.
A few key takeaways of the Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act:
• DEHP is banned from all IV bags used in California by 2030
• By 2035, the law also extends to IV tubing
• It also prevents the use of similar harmful chemicals as replacements for DEHP
WHY IT MATTERS
This legislation is a monumental step toward healthcare policies that prioritize patient safety over commercial interests. It not only secures the health of patients in California but also offers a model for the entire U.S. healthcare industry to follow.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Fighting against harmful chemicals in our healthcare system is everyone's responsibility. You can join this movement at the national level by urging the FDA to prioritize reviewing and updating its guidelines on the use of DEHP in IV bags and other medical devices. Your voice can make a difference.
Learn how you can take action and urge the FDA to review and update the use of DEHP in IV bags and tubing nationwide.
References: 1. Schettler T. Polyvinyl chloride in health care: a rationale for choosing alternatives. Health Care Without Harm. Published January 2020. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://us.noharm.org/media/4423/download?inline=1 2. California Legislative Information. State Committee on Health. AB-2300 Medical devices: di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). September 26, 2024. Accessed March 24, 2025. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2300