FDA Urged to Reduce Phthalates in Medical Equipment

Members of Congress are pushing for the FDA to limit phthalates in medical devices because they have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system, reports Chemical & Engineering News. 

In a February 18 letter to the U.S. FDA, the lawmakers urge the agency to update its 2002 guidelines for use of such chemicals in medical devices, particularly IV bags. Phthalates like diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which are used to increase the flexibility of plastic IV bags, can leach into patients during infusions. 

Read more in Chemical & Engineering News.