Hospitals are exposing patients, including babies and young
children, to high levels of potentially dangerous chemicals, a
report suggests.
A study by researchers in the UK and US has found that medical
equipment, like tubes and blood bags, may contain high levels of
phthalates - a chemical that has been linked to cancer and
infertility.
In a report, published simultaneously in London and Washington
DC, they warned that when used in combination these pieces of
equipment could be delivering harmful doses of the chemical to
patients.
From what we already know about phthalates, we should
absolutely minimise the exposure of infants
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Dr Vyvyan Howard, University of Liverpool
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Health Care Without Harm, the international lobby group behind
the report, urged officials in the US and Europe to address the
issue.
In 1999, the UK government banned chewable plastic baby toys,
such as teething rings, because they contain phthalates.
Previous studies have shown that high levels of the chemical,
which is used to make PVC flexible, can damage the liver, kidneys
and testicles.
Safety limits
There are safety limits on the use of phthalates in PVC in place
in many countries. However, Health Care Without Harm said these
limits were "a nonsense" because they are calculated on each
phthalate separately.
They warned that combined use of tubes, IV bags and blood bags to
treat patients could be putting them at risk. They added that the
risk could be particularly high for children.
Dr Vyvyan Howard, of the University of Liverpool, said: "From
what we already know about phthalates, we should absolutely minimise
the exposure of infants." However, the chemical is also found in
many everyday products such as paints, glues, cosmetics and other
consumer items made from PVC.
Recent studies in the EU, Canada and US have concluded that
children may already be exposed to high levels of phthalates. This
is because the chemical can be passed through breast milk and can be
found in child care products, toys and infant formulae.
The chemical is released into the environment through the
manufacturing process. It can also be found indoors because it is
emitted from some products made with PVC.
Government action
The lobby group accused government in Europe and North America of
ignoring the problem.
Per Rosander, spokesperson for Health Care Without Harm, said:
"The public are subjected to phthalates from a wide range of
everyday sources.
"While regulators continue to ignore that fact, their so-called
acceptable levels offer us no protection at all." The Medical
Devices Agency said it was aware of concerns. However, a spokeswoman
said that at present there was no alternative products available.
She said: " Where products are used for medical purposes, it is
essential that a balance is struck between their risks and benefits.
"There have been several recent expert assessments of the risks,"
she said. "The medical device regulations require that any risks
must be minimised and eliminated wherever feasible. "However, at
present, it is not always possible to provide alternative materials
that provide the same level of clinical benefit."
But she added: "Each manufacturer is responsible for ensuring
that the clinical benefits offered by a product outweigh any risk of
toxicity.
"The Medical Devices Agency is keeping the issue under constant
review."
