By Bob Katzen

The Senate, on a voice vote, without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey 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 Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act was filed because patients should never have to worry that the tools meant to heal them are exposing them to a cancer-linked chemical, especially when safe alternatives already exist in use right here in Massachusetts,” said Sen. Joan Lovely, Senate sponsor of the legislation. “Seeing this advance through the Legislature brings Massachusetts to the brink of leading the nation on exemplary medical care.”

“We are once again elevating the standard of care in the commonwealth and we should all be proud of that,” said Sen. Bill Driscoll (D-Milton), Senate chair of the Committee on Public Health. “When implemented, this will improve the health of patients by decreasing exposure to toxins and known carcinogens.”