HARRISBURG – The state Senate today passed legislation authored by Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18) and Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) that would phase out, and ultimately ban, a toxic chemical additive found in most intravenous (IV) bags and other medical devices.
“You go to the doctor to get better, not get sicker,” Boscola said. “Study after study have shown the toxicity of these additives – so I was shocked to learn how common they are in medical settings.”
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common additive in the production of plastic medical devices meant to increase flexibility and reduce brittleness. However, researchers have found that DEHP leaches into the contents of these medical devices.
Senate Bill 804 sets a timeline to phase out DEHP in medical devices in Pennsylvania by 2035. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of other toxic chemicals, known as ortho-phthalates, as replacements for DEHP.
“Senate Bill 804 puts patient health at the center of our health care system, where it belongs,” Coleman said. “No one receiving treatment, whether a newborn in intensive care or a patient fighting cancer, should be exposed to a chemical linked to serious health problems through the very IV equipment delivering their care. With safer alternatives already in use across many hospitals, this legislation ensures that every patient in Pennsylvania has access to the safest possible materials.”
Health care systems across Pennsylvania are already using DEHP-free devices, including St. Luke’s University Health Network in the Lehigh Valley, demonstrating that this transition is both realistic and already underway.
“St. Luke’s does not use IV solution containers that contain PVC or DEHP and we support Sen. Boscola and Sen. Coleman’s efforts to make sure all patients across the commonwealth are similarly protected from these harmful forever chemicals,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, Senior Vice President, Medical and Academic Affairs, St. Luke’s University Health Network.
If enacted, Senate Bill 804 would make Pennsylvania one of the first states in the nation to ban DEHP. California and North Carolina each passed similar legislation in recent legislative sessions. Noting Bethlehem’s connection to this issue, Boscola added, “I’m proud that Bethlehem is home to one of only two nationwide distributors of DEHP-free IV bags.”
“Passage of Senate Bill 804 by the Pennsylvania Senate is a big step forward for patient safety. We applaud Sen. Boscola and Sen. Coleman for their leadership on this issue and appreciate all the senators who supported this important legislation. DEHP should have no place in IV bags and tubing used in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Stephanie Pitts, Vice President, Healthcare Strategy and Innovation, B. Braun.
Senate Bill 804 passed the Senate 48-1 and will now be considered by the House of Representatives.
CONTACTS: Joseph Kelly, (610) 868-8667 (Boscola)
Leo Knepper, (717) 787-1349 (Coleman)