NO DEHP FOR PATIENT HEALTH

What is DEHP?

Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) is a common chemical substance of the class of Phthalates. It is usually supplemented during the manufacturing process to increase plastic flexibility.

DEHP is present in medical supplies such as: blood bags, fluid transfer tubes, oxygen tubes, …The level DEHP is around 30% – 35% depending on the product.

The chemical formula of DEHP

The harmful effects of DEHP

DEHP directly enters the patient’s system throughout the process of Medical Supplies usage during their treatment and caregiving. Notable health hazards are:

– Increased risk of male reproductive system malfunction and defects in testosterone production.
– Risk of liver, heart, lung, and kidney cancer.
– Thrombosis due to increased platelet adhesion.
– Peritoneal thickening.

Why do some manufacturers still use DEHP?

– Flexible plastic products can revert to their original form.
– Cheap price.

DEHP is usually present in medical supplies made with flexible materials and used for fluids and blood transfer

Current regulations:
In the world

Many countries in the world have passed laws regulating the restrictive use of DEHP, the regulations are as follows:

1. Directive 2011/65/EU by the European Union in 2015 listed DEHP as a hazardous substance with a concentration level limited at 0.1% per product.
2. The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has advised healthcare suppliers to replace devices containing DEHP for clinically fragile patients.
3. Argentina, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden have prohibited the use of substances that are members of the Phthalate class in toys for children.
4. In 2010, Australia announced a ban on all goods that contain more than 1% DEHP due to its harm to the reproductive process.

In Vietnam

Currently, Vietnam has no specific regulations regarding the reduction of DEHP use in medical appliances.

USM Healthcare commits products are DEPH – free

At USM Healthcare, we believe that the elimination of DEHP from our medical products is necessary to preserve the health and safety of patients, which is our commitment.