The Nursing Beat Releases New Data that Addresses Critical Knowledge Gap Among Nurses
The Nursing Beat, in partnership with B. Braun Medical Inc., a leading medical technology company, today announced the results of a survey of over 500 nurses in the United States indicating a concerning knowledge gap about the potential harmful effects of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP), the most commonly used phthalate in medical devices, and its presence in IV bags and tubing.
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New Survey Reveals Nearly 75% of Nurses Unaware of Potential Health Risks in IV Bags
Nearly 75% of nurses polled were unaware that the majority of IV bags used in the U.S. contain DEHP, and more than 50% were unaware that the state of California has determined DEHP to be a reproductive and developmental toxicant and carcinogen. With 70% of nurses unaware that DEHP can leach out of IV bags into the solution contained in the bag and be infused into a patient's body, the need to raise awareness that safe alternatives exist has never been more important.
“While nurses are often on the frontline of patient care, it is clear many are not fully informed about the potential health risks associated with IV bags containing DEHP and the safe alternatives that are available,” said Tamara AL-Yassin, CEO of The Nursing Beat and former ER nurse. “Our goal is to not only raise awareness of the risks of DEHP but also equip nurses with the knowledge to take proactive steps in reducing the risk to their patients' health.”
The results of the survey of nurses from 48 states show that over 75% of nurses are not aware that safe, non-toxic alternatives to IV bags made with DEHP exist. These alternatives provide the same level of functionality without the DEHP-associatedhealth risks, making the transition to non-DEHP products both feasible and safe for patients, healthcare providers and the environment.
These survey findings come at a time when important patient safety legislation to phase out the use of DEHP in IV bags and tubing in California has been signed into law, helping ensure that millions of patients across the state are not exposed to this toxic chemical when receiving IV therapy.
Dr. Stephanie Pitts, RN, Vice President, Strategic Programs and Innovation at B. Braun, emphasized the importance of driving awareness of this survey and California's new law. “As a nurse, it's quite scary learning there may be DEHP in the IV bag that's intended to help patients. With 98.5% of nurses from this survey indicating they would prefer to use IV bags that do not contain DEHP, it's time our front-line healthcare providers are heard and patients' safety prioritized. These new survey findings, coupled with the passing of California's Toxic-Free Medical Device Act, ignite the urgent need to bring safer, more sustainable medical devices to healthcare settings not only in California but across the nation.”
Suzanne Price, Chief Executive Officer of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, called on healthcare providers to take action to address the survey findings. “For over thirty years, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners has been working to eliminate the toxic chemicals that are linked to breast cancer from our environment. Phthalates like DEHP have been high on our list of culprits. To think that in a healthcare setting, these chemicals that are known to increase the risk of cancer are being pumped into the blood of cancer patients, NICU babies, and everyone in between is infuriating. That's why we are proud to have developed, co-sponsored, advocated for and secured passage of the historic Toxic-Free Medical Devices Act (AB 2300). But, as the national survey of nurses shows, our work isn't done. We call on nurses and doctors to join this critical cause and protect their patients by urging their hospitals to switch to IV bags and tubing free from toxic chemicals. Together, we can ensure safer care for all patients.”
To learn more about the potential health risks posed by DEHP in infusion products, please visit B. Braun's info page at bbraunusa.com andthe Breast Cancer Prevention Partners Toxic Free IV site at https://www.bcpp.org/toxic-free-iv/.
About The Nursing Beat:The Nursing Beat is the only daily digital newsletter designed for nurses, by nurses. Founded by two former ER nurses, The Nursing Beat delivers concise, relevant news and essential information to help nurses stay informed and empowered in their careers. The Nursing Beat reaches over 1 million nursing professionals across its flagship email newsletter, social media community, and bespoke events. For more information, visit https://thenursingbeat.com/
About B. Braun Medical Inc.:B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun) is a leader in smart infusion therapy and safe and effective pharmacy products, patient and provider safety, and sustainable health solutions. Our purpose is to help providers constantly improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. With products and services created to help healthcare professionals focus on what matters most- their patients-we're uniquely positioned to help health systems succeed now and in the future. B. Braun is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is part of the B. Braun Group of Companies in the U.S., which includes B. Braun Interventional Systems, Aesculap®and CAPS®. The company employs 8,500 people at over 30 locations across North America.
Globally, the B. Braun Group of Companies employs more than 64,000 employees in 64 countries. Guided by its Sharing Expertise® philosophy, B. Braun continuously exchanges knowledge with customers, partners and clinicians to address the critical issues of improving care and lowering costs. To learn more about B. Braun Medical, explore our website.
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