(BOSTON 6/9/2026) — Use of a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and linked to cancer cases would be banned in Massachusetts under a bill advanced last week by the Massachusetts Senate.

Senators voted to pass the bill, which would phase out the use of DEHP – a toxic chemical – in IV bags and tubing in Massachusetts. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients.

“When you go to a hospital or doctors’ office, you’d expect that all the tools, devices, and materials they use would be manufactured with the health and safety of the patient in mind,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The science is in, and it’s time to take action to ban the use of DEHP, a carcinogen, in sensitive medical products like IVs. I’m pleased that the Senate has acted on this issue to help build trust between patients and our medical system, and I look forward to getting this bill to Governor Healey’s desk.”

The legislation – S.3106, An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices – would prohibit the manufacture or sale of IV containers and tubing made with intentionally added DEHP. DEHP, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, has been linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

The Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.

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