BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey hosted a ceremonial signing at the State House to celebrate a new law that will phase out di (2-ethylhenyl) phthalate, a cancer-linked chemical known as DEHP, that is used to make plastic flexible, from IV bags and tubing sold in Massachusetts. 

 

Healey signed An Act Relative to toxic-free medical devices on July 25. The law will prohibit the manufacture and sale of IV solution containers made with intentionally added DEHP beginning Jan. 1, 2030, followed by IV tubing beginning Jan. 1, 2035. This timeline gives healthcare providers and manufacturers time to transition to safer alternatives that are already in use at hospitals in Massachusetts.

 

"Patients deserve to know that the tools being used to care for them are safe," said Governor Maura Healey. "This law phases out a harmful chemical from IV bags and tubing and moves our health care system toward safer alternatives. Massachusetts will continue to follow the science and put the health and safety of patients, families and health care workers first."

 

DEHP is commonly used to make plastic medical devices more flexible. The chemical can leach from plastic products and has been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. Health advocates and medical professionals have raised concerns about patient exposure, particularly because safer alternatives are already available.

 

The law includes exemptions for certain specialized products, including human blood collection and storage bags and specified apheresis and cell-therapy products. It also permits limited trace amounts of DEHP that are not intentionally added.