Towards a PVC-Free Healthcare

The Impact of PVC in Healthcare

PVC is a widely used material found throughout the healthcare system, particularly in items like catheters, drip chambers, diagnostic equipment, IV bags, gloves, tubing, flooring, food packaging, and office supplies. While PVC has been extensively utilized across various sectors for nearly a century, its harmful impact on the environment has become increasingly evident. The detrimental effects of PVC are observed throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal. In a healthcare setting focused on non-toxic practices, it is crucial to deliver safe care using PVC-free medical equipment.

A PVC-Free Healthcare System: A Realistic Goal

A healthcare system free from PVC is not just an ideal; it's possible. In Sweden, for example, the Regions have committed to phasing out PVC products in healthcare. This initiative has been successful, with PVC only permitted in a few exceptional product groups where substitutes are not yet available.

At Evercare Medical, we have long offered PVC-free products in segments where PVC is still standard for others.

"We don’t have any PVC products left in our private label products within the Hospital Care range," says Juha Lange, Business Manager at Evercare Medical. "We have worked with our suppliers and producers for several years to phase out PVC from our products. It feels like the only right way to go."

The Issue with Phthalates and PVC Substitutes

Some countries have focused primarily on removing phthalates, harmful plasticizers used in PVC. However, while phthalates have been banned, new plasticizers have replaced them. Despite the high standards for medical equipment, there remains a gap in understanding how these new substitutes might affect health and the environment, particularly concerning vulnerable patients or newborns in neonatal care.

Evercare Medical is committed to a PVC-free future in healthcare. We believe it is essential to extend patient safety to encompass environmental considerations. PVC is unsustainable, requiring toxic substances for its production and causing pollution throughout its lifecycle.

The Environmental Impact of PVC Disposal

Strict hospital regulations dictate that PVC from the care sector is always incinerated, preventing it from contaminating natural environments. However, when PVC is incinerated, it releases dangerous substances like dioxins and other toxic gases. Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can have severe, long-term effects on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Although there are regulations to control emissions, dioxin filtering is resource-intensive and challenging to manage.

Steps Towards a PVC-Free Healthcare Future

What can you do to facilitate the transition to a PVC-free healthcare? Raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and understanding the importance of switching to PVC-free products are crucial steps. Many countries are already moving away from PVC in specific healthcare segments, such as infusion sets. Healthcare providers play a critical role in driving this phase-out by requesting PVC-free solutions wherever possible.

Top Three Takeaways on a PVC-Free Healthcare

Start Asking for It: Request PVC-free products rather than those with removed plasticizers.

Most Products Are Already Available PVC-Free: A nearly complete phase-out of PVC is possible, as most products already have PVC-free alternatives.

PVC-Free Healthcare Is Possible: Several healthcare providers have already achieved this, as seen in Swedish tenders, where PVC is only allowed in exceptional cases.