IV bag magnifying the word DEHP with the headline, It's time to question IV bags made with DEHP.

Where is DEHP already banned or restricted?

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a toxic chemical not allowed in many everyday products due to potential health and environmental risks.

Assortment of rubber duck children's toys, a common childcare product where toxic DEHP is banned or restricted.

Children's
Toys

Assortment of plastic water bottles, a common household item where toxic DEHP is banned or restricted.

water
bottles

Assortment of meat in clear plastic packaging, a common household item where toxic DEHP is banned or restricted.

meat
packaging

WHY IS DEHP STILL ALLOWED IN IV BAGS?

Most IV bags in the U.S. are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and require a plasticizer like Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to make the rigid plastic more flexible.1 Unfortunately, DEHP is a known toxic chemical that can leach into IV fluids, potentially putting patients at risk—particularly the most vulnerable patients.2

Baby in a hospital bed with a text callout of the word FACT

DEHP has been linked to reproductive risks

In pediatric patients, DEHP exposure can potentially affect developing reproductive systems.3

Pregnant patient cradling her stomach in a hospital bed with a text callout of the word FACT

DEHP can affect pregnant women

Pregnant women who come in contact with DEHP may expose the fetus, potentially causing serious DEHP effects.4

Oncology patient speaking with a nurse in a hospital setting with a text callout of the word FACT

DEHP and chemotherapy don’t mix

Patients undergoing chemotherapy could receive less than the prescribed doses of necessary medications due to leaching.5

How can I get involved?

Sign the petition to the FDA demanding new guidelines to help protect patients from DEHP exposure.

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. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2022. Toxicological profile for Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp9-c1-b.pdf 3. Hannas BR, Furr J, Lambright CS, et al. Dipentyl phthalate dosing during sexual differentiation disrupts fetal testis function and postnatal development of the male Sprague-Dawley rat with greater relative potency than other phthalates. Toxicol Sci. 2011;120(1):184-193. doi:10.1093/toxsci/kfq386. 4. Sharpe RM, Skakkebaek NE. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome: mechanistic insights and potential new downstream effects. Fertil Steril.2008;89(suppl 2):e33-e38. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.12.026. 5. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Safety assessment of Di(2 Ethylhexyl)Phthalate (DEHP) released from PVC medical devices. Health Care Without Harm. Published February 2, 2022. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://us.noharm.org/media/3878/download?inline=1