Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a cost effective general purpose plasticiser which is used mainly for making PVC soft and pliable. In Western Europe it accounts for about 15% of all plasticiser usage. It is also known as di-octyl phthalate (DOP).
Soft PVC in medical devices saves thousands of lives and increases the comfort and safety of millions of patients every year. No other material meets all the vital performance qualities demanded by health professionals and at such affordable prices.
The European Union authorities have confirmed that DEHP poses no general risk to human health.
Europe's new chemicals legislation: DEHP can continue to be used with confidence