rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/form/hospital-pledge-toxic-free-iv?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-form-area-hospital-pledge-toxic-free-iv' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Breast Cancer Prevention Partners https://actionnetwork.org/groups/bcppartners https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/forms/photos/000/641/569/normal/Nurse_holds_up_iv_device_plastic_tubing_bag.jpg We are committed to providing the safest possible care for all patients. This includes protecting them from harmful chemicals found in certain medical devices.   Scientific evidence continues to grow regarding the negative health effects of patient exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and other harmful ortho-phthalates1,2,3,4 Approximately 90% of all hospital patients in the U.S. receive some form of intravenous (IV) therapy.5 IV bags and tubing, commonly used in these treatments, often contain significant amounts of DEHP. This harmful chemical can leach into medicines and other fluids administered to patients, posing a serious health risk. Additionally, the production and disposal of PVC releases harmful chemicals, including dioxins and vinyl chloride, which are known to be human carcinogens.6 Vulnerable populations, including neonates, young children, pregnant people, cancer patients, and underserved communities, face even greater risks. These groups often encounter higher toxic chemical exposure due to environmental, occupational, and consumer product factors. There are cost-effective and safer alternatives to DEHP and PVC medical devices available right now. These alternatives provide the same level of functionality without the associated health risks, making the transition both feasible and safer for patients, healthcare providers, and the environment. To protect patient and provider health and safety and uphold our commitment to sustainability, our organization pledges to: Ensure patient safety by consistently using DEHP- and PVC-free IV bags and tubing in all instances where they are currently implemented within our system. Establish a sustainability procurement policy that clearly communicates to the supplier community and the public that our hospital system will not purchase IV bags and tubing products containing PVC or DEHP in all cases where safer alternatives are available. This policy will be in place by July 1, 2025. Designate an executive-level lead to oversee implementation, oversight and accountability for the policy. Refrain from replacing DEHP with other harmful ortho-phthalates for any revised or new IV bags or tubing products Phase out any current uses of IV bags and tubing made from DEHP or other ortho-phthalates in all cases where safer, cost-effective alternatives are available, completing the transition as soon as feasible but no later than7:   Transitioning 100% of IV bags to DEHP and PVC-free by January 1, 2028. Transitioning 100% of IV tubing to DEHP and PVC-free by January 1, 2030. 6. Establish metrics to track and measure progress.   By transitioning to IV bags and tubing that are not made from DEHP or PVC, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to both patient health and safety and environmental stewardship. Alignment with Policies of Healthcare Organizations: Leading medical and public health organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recommend that hospitals take steps to minimize and eventually eliminate medical devices containing DEHP and PVC. These organizations advocate for transitioning to safer alternatives due to potential health and environmental concerns associated with DEHP and PVC materials in medical devices. Supporting Organizations: This pledge is endorsed by a coalition of leading health organizations dedicated to improving patient care and environmental health. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Healthcare Without Harm and California Black Health Network share our commitment to integrating sustainability into healthcare practices. Their endorsement signifies alignment with our pledge’s goals and principles, not necessarily financial support. Recommended Timeline to Phase-Out PVC and DEHP IV Bags and Tubes: By July 1, 2025: Establish a sustainability policy for IV bags and tubing and appoint leadership to oversee implementation, oversight and accountability for the policy. By January 1, 2026: Achieve 30% DEHP-free IV bags used. By January 1, 2027: Achieve 60% DEHP-free IV bags used. By January 1, 2028: Achieve 100% DEHP-free IV bags used and 30% DEHP-free IV tubing used.   By January 1, 2029: Achieve 60% DEHP-free IV tubing used. By January 1, 2030: Achieve 100% DEHP-free IV tubing used. _________ Please complete the form to sign the pledge. If you have any questions, contact Laura@bcpp.org. Thank you for joining us in this vital commitment to safeguard patient health and promote a healthier environment. Your support is instrumental in driving meaningful change in healthcare practices, and we deeply appreciate your dedication to this important cause. https://actionnetwork.org/forms/hospital-pledge-toxic-free-iv