Define the Issues

DEHP is one of the eight chemicals that are included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Phthalates Action Plan.¹ The EPA has concerns regarding phthalates’ toxicity and the evidence of pervasive human and environmental exposure to it.¹ A number of studies have revealed a link between phthalate exposure and human health. However, no causal connection has been established. Much scientific attention is currently focused on the cumulative effect that several phthalates can have on the reproductive system.¹

More than four decades ago, B. Braun recognized the environmental and patient risks posed by products containing PVC and DEHP. Medical devices containing these chemicals pose potential health hazards to people during medical care and to the environment during waste disposal. As a result, B. Braun was the first medical device manufacturer to remove these harmful substances from many of its products, eliminating PVC and DEHP from IV solution containers and IV sets.

In the past five years, B. Braun has spent $500 million in developing innovative ways to offer PVC and DEHP-free product lines. Additionally, we actively support policies calling for the industry-wide reduction of these chemicals in medical devices in an effort to raise awareness and encourage change. Today, we remain the industry leader in processes, products, and green manufacturing.