DEHP plasticizer and blood bags: challenges ahead

Abstract

The invention of the plastic container represented a major advance in haemotherapy that opened the door to blood component preparation and transfusion. Later, it was found that the plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) used in combination with polyvinylchloride (PVC), leached to the blood component contained in the plastic bag and that in the case of the red blood cells, stabilized the membrane allowing the extension of storage up to 49 days, depending on the additive solution used. This extraction of the plasticizer to the components provokes that not only the recipients of transfusions are exposed to significant levels of DEHP but also plasma and platelet apheresis donors are exposed. Although clear-cut human toxicity has not been identified, for some the precautionary principle should be evoked and in front of the current available data, particularly in neonates and children, only DEHP-free disposable should be used in bags containing blood components for transfusion. For platelets this has already been accomplished for most of the containers and for plasma it should not be a problem to attain it. However, for the most often transfused blood component, red blood cells concentrates, continues to be an unresolved challenge, although in recent years some new plasticizers appear to be promising safer alternatives.

Bisphenols and phthalates: Plastic chemical exposures can contribute to adverse cardiovascular health outcomes

“…Future areas of interest include: (a) epidemiological or clinical research with additional cardiovascular endpoints—including electrocardiogram or echocardiogram measurements; (b) clinical and experimental work that focuses on vulnerable patient populations—including those with congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathies, or cardiac arrhythmias, as chemical exposures may contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction; (c) clinical and experimental work focused on neonatal, infant and pediatric populations—as cardiac, autonomic and metabolic systems continue to develop and mature after birth; (d) use of (nonrodent) experimental models that better replicate human electrophysiology; (e) studies that explore the effects of bisphenol and phthalate mixtures (or studies that take into account a pediatric patient's “exposome”); and finally, (f) comparative studies that examine the cardiac safety profile of alternative chemicals. The latter is particularly important as we move toward adopting BPA and DEHP substitutes, without a thorough understanding of their safety or impact on cardiovascular health (M. Ferguson, Lorenzen‐Schmidt, & Pyle, 2019; Gao, Ma, Chen, & Wang, 2015; Lozano & Cid, 2013; Trasande, 2017; van der Meer et al, 2014). Through comprehensive examination of bisphenol and phthalate toxicity in vulnerable populations, protective measures or mitigation strategies may be revealed and implemented.…”

Flexible UHF RFID Tag for Blood Tubes Monitoring

“…In medical centers, human blood is collected in bags or tubes [11,12]. Bags are produced from flexible PVC plastics and are used to store a large volume of blood, while tubes are made from glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) rigid containers, which are filled with a small sample of blood.…”

Emissions of DEHP‐free PVC flooring

“…They are capable of leaching into blood bags, [9][10][11][12] food packaging, 12-14 Abstract Degrading 2-ethylhexyl-containing PVC floorings (eg DEHP-PVC floorings) and adhesives emit 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) in the indoor air. The danger of flooring degradation comes from exposing occupants to harmful phthalates plasticisers (eg DEHP), but not from 2-EH as such.…”

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Indoor Air. 7,8 Phthalate plasticisers, such as DEHP, DIDP, and DINP, are dangerous, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, suspected carcinogens, and causative agents of airway diseases and asthma in children.They are capable of leaching into blood bags, [9][10][11][12] food packaging, 12-14 Abstract Degrading 2-ethylhexyl-containing PVC floorings (eg DEHP-PVC floorings) and adhesives emit 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) in the indoor air. | 903 wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/ina

| INTRODUC TI ON

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floorings are common in residential and commercial buildings.

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“…5,6 In the past, most PVC floorings were manufactured using DEHP plasticiser. 7,8 Phthalate plasticisers, such as DEHP, DIDP, and DINP, are dangerous, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, suspected carcinogens, and causative agents of airway diseases and asthma in children.They are capable of leaching into blood bags, [9][10][11][12] food packaging, 12-14 Abstract Degrading 2-ethylhexyl-containing PVC floorings (eg DEHP-PVC floorings) and adhesives emit 2-ethylhexanol (2-EH) in the indoor air. The danger of flooring degradation comes from exposing occupants to harmful phthalates plasticisers (eg DEHP), but not from 2-EH as such.…”