IV Therapy Uses PVC Plastic

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a common medical procedure that involves injecting fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Although IV therapy is generally considered safe, recent studies have shown that the use of PVC plastic in IV bags and tubing may pose serious health risks.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic that is commonly used in medical devices, including IV bags and tubing. PVC is inexpensive, lightweight, and flexible, which makes it an ideal material for medical equipment. However, PVC plastic contains phthalates, which are chemicals that are added to make the plastic more flexible and durable.

Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors, which means that they interfere with the body's hormone system. Studies have shown that exposure to phthalates can lead to a range of health problems, including reproductive disorders, developmental problems, and even cancer.

@taborplace @dearmedia IVs are made out of PVC - which is super toxic. PVC leaches phthalates directly into your bloodstream. One thing th add thats been discovered - is how much NICU babies are exposed from all the different tubes keeping them alive. #SeeHerGreatness #phthalates #nicu #pvc #ivinfusion #ivtherapy #gwynethpaltrow #endocrinedisruptors #endocrinedisruptingchemicals #plasticisbad #toxicchemicals ♬ original sound - Beatrice, CEO of Tabor Place

When PVC plastic is used in medical equipment, such as IV bags and tubing, phthalates can leach out of the plastic and into the fluids being delivered through the IV. This means that patients receiving IV therapy may be exposed to high levels of phthalates, which can enter their bloodstream directly.

One study published in the journal Pediatrics found that premature infants who received IV therapy with PVC bags and tubing had significantly higher levels of phthalates in their urine than infants who did not receive IV therapy. The study authors concluded that "phthalate exposure from medical devices may contribute significantly to the overall phthalate exposure of hospitalized infants."

@taborplace #stitch with @dearmedia IVs are made out of PVC plastic - which is the most toxic out of all the plastics. PVC leaches phthalates which cause infertility, cancer, metabolic disorders like heart disease & diabetes - and here she is voluntarily injecting straight phthalates into her bloodstream. heres the deep dive I just did: @taborplace ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that patients receiving IV therapy with PVC bags and tubing had significantly higher levels of phthalates in their blood than patients who did not receive IV therapy. The study authors noted that "phthalates may pose a significant health risk to patients receiving medical treatment, particularly those receiving long-term IV therapy."

In response to these concerns, many medical professionals are calling for greater regulation of the plastics used in medical equipment. In 2015, the European Union banned the use of certain types of phthalates in medical devices, including PVC plastic. The United States has not yet followed suit, but some states, including California and Washington, have enacted their own restrictions on the use of phthalates in medical equipment.

While the use of PVC plastic in medical equipment is still common, many hospitals and healthcare providers are exploring alternative materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, which do not contain phthalates. Some hospitals have also implemented "IV-free zones," where patients are encouraged to receive nutrients and fluids through oral intake rather than IV therapy.

It is important to note that IV therapy should only be used for medical intervention and treatment, and not as a replacement for ingesting food and nutrients by mouth. While IV therapy can be a lifesaving treatment in certain situations, such as when a patient is unable to eat or drink, it should not be used as a routine method of delivering nutrients or fluids.

In conclusion, the use of PVC plastic in IV bags and tubing may pose serious health risks due to the presence of phthalates, which can leach out of the plastic and into the fluids being delivered through the IV. As a result, many medical professionals are calling for greater regulation of the plastics used in medical equipment, and some hospitals are exploring alternative materials that do not contain phthalates. It is important to remember that IV therapy should only be used for medical intervention and treatment, and not as a routine method of delivering nutrients or fluids.