Nurses: taking precautionary action on a pediatric environmental exposure: DEHP.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or DEHP, is a chemical used to soften rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Medical devices made of flexible PVC, such as intravenous (IV) bags and tubing, contain DEHP to make them pliable and soft. Animal studies show that exposure to DEHP can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system, particularly the developing testes of prenatal and neonatal males. Because of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Notification on PVC devices containing DEHP, urging health care providers to use DEHP-free devices for certain vulnerable patients. Many hospitals and health systems have successfully transitioned away from use of DEHP, particularly in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).