By Bob Katzen
A new law that would ban the use and sale of DEHP, a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and tubing and linked to breast, liver, lung and testicular cancer took effect on August 25. The bag ban would begin on January 1, 2030, while the tubing ban would begin on January 1, 2035.
Supporters of the law said this timeline gives health care providers and manufacturers time to transition to safer alternatives that are already in use at hospitals in Massachusetts.
Many IV bags and tubing 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.
“Patients deserve to know that the tools being used to care for them are safe,” said Gov. Maura Healey who signed the new law on July 25 but held a ceremonial signing on August 25, the day the law became effective. “This law phases out a harmful chemical from IV bags and tubing and moves our health care system toward safer alternatives. Massachusetts will continue to follow the science and put the health and safety of patients, families and health care workers first.”
“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 and are already in use at hospitals here in Massachusetts,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) … “This is a real step forward for safer medical care in the commonwealth.”
“Massachusetts has always been a leader in health care, and we here in the commonwealth have a responsibility to continue advancing innovative policies that ensure patients safety,” said Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “This legislation reduces unnecessary exposure to DEHP in medical devices while giving hospitals and providers the flexibility needed for a responsible transition to safer alternatives.”