Although the science supporting the health hazards of DEHP plasticizers is sketchy, to say the least, the material is tainted in the public view as a result of campaigns led by activist organizations, and chemicals companies have been working on developing alternative materials. “While di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) has provided the medical industry with a stable ortho-phthalate plasticizer for many years, regulatory trends and consumer demands will inevitably drive the industry to non-phthalate alternatives,” notes Eastman Chemical Co. (Kingsport, TN). It has announced the results of a recent clinical trial conducted by the BloodCenter of Wisconsin (BCW; Milwaukee), which evaluated a new plasticizer for blood bags.
