By Bob Katzen

House 139-0, approved a bill that would ban the use of DEHP, a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and tubing and linked to breast, liver, lung and testicular cancer. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. The measure also prevents manufacturers from replacing DEHP with similar ortho-phthalates and encourages the transition to safer alternatives while preserving limited exemptions for specialized blood collection and cell therapy products.

The Senate has approved its own version of the measure, and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices is a straightforward bill that aims to protect patients — especially infants, children, pregnant women and those with cancer from being unnecessarily exposed to harmful chemicals,” said House sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “Long-term exposure to DEHP in medical instruments like IV bags and tubing has long raised concerns in the medical community, particularly when safer alternatives are available … Our state has never waited for others to set the standard on patient safety.”

(A “Yes” vote us for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes