Senate Committee Advances Boscola Proposal to Phase Out Toxic Additives in IV Bags and Other Medical Devices

Senate Committee Advances Boscola Proposal to Phase Out Toxic Additives in IV Bags and Other Medical Devices

October 28, 2025

HARRISBURG, PA - October 28, 2025 - The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee voted unanimously to advance legislation authored by Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) that would phase out, and ultimately ban, a toxic chemical additive found in most intravenous (IV) bags and other medical devices.

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a common additive in the production of plastic medical devices meant to increase flexibility and reduce brittleness. However, researchers have found that DEHP leaches into the contents of these medical devices. Senate Bill 804 would set a timeline to phase out DEHP in medical devices in Pennsylvania by 2035. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the use of other toxic chemicals, known as Ortho-phthalates, as a replacement for DEHP.

"You go to the doctor to get better, not get sicker," Boscola said. "Study after study have shown the toxicity of these additives - so I was shocked to learn how common they are in medical settings."

The bill will next be considered by the full Senate. If enacted, Senate Bill 804 would make Pennsylvania one of the first states in the nation to ban DEHP. California and North Carolina each passed similar legislation in recent legislative sessions.

"Lehigh Valley hospitals have already taken steps to phase out medical devices containing this toxin" Boscola said. "This legislation will ensure hospitals across our Commonwealth take similar action."

Noting Bethlehem's connection to this issue, Boscola stated, "I'm proud that Bethlehem is home to one of only two nationwide distributors of DEHP-free IV bags. B. Braun Medical is an industry leader in detoxifying our hospitals. My hope with this bill is for PA to be a leading state in protecting patients and getting harmful additives out of medicine."

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