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Article: Adolescents exposed to DEHP in plastic tubing as neonates: research briefs.(Pediatrics Ethics, Issues & Commentary)(Dioctyl phthalate)(Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate)
- Article from:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Article date:
- September 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Jannetti Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a family of chemicals called phthalates. These chemicals are used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic tubing soft and flexible. Because DEHP does not bind to the plastic, it can leach out of the PVC products. DEHP is widely used in PVC disposable medical devices. As in other products, DEHP can leach out of flexible PVC medical devices into the solution or medication it contains and subsequently into the patient (Rubin & Schiffer, 1976).
DEHP concentrations in blood and blood products are of particular concern for babies who receive regular blood transfusions. The most commonly used blood products, packed red blood cells and ...