Toxicity profiles of vinyl and polyolefinic plastics and their additives

TLDR

Manufacturers must ensure plastic devices do not harm patients, as patient safety is paramount. The study investigates the toxic potential of plastics, resins, and additives used in medical, dental, and pharmaceutical applications. The authors evaluated leachable toxic materials from PVC lots and a broad range of plastic additives, concluding that comprehensive testing is required to assess toxicity. Stabilizers exhibited the highest toxicity, especially when combined with plasticizers, but the study concludes that safe plastics for medical, dental, and pharmaceutical use can be manufactured.

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports on three investigations into the toxic potential of plastics, resins and addivtives, with emphasis on those having medical, dental, or pharmaceutical application. The following points were noted: (1) two different lots of PVC resin contained toxic material which was leachable into a biological system and an extreme eosinophilic response was noted; (2) a large group of chemical agents currently being used or having potential for use in various plastics formulations were investigated for toxic potential. As a group, the stabilizers showed the greatest degree of toxicity and if these are used in conjunction with a plasticizer in a plastic formulation, the toxic potential is greatly increased due to an increased opportunity to migrate from the plastic. It may be concluded from this work that safe plastics for medical, dental, and pharmaceutical applications can technically be manufactured. In order to protect the patient who ultimately comes in contact with the plastic device in one way or another, it behooves the concerned manufacturer to be certain his product is not responsible for injury to the user. This certianty can only be gained by an adequate and diverse evaluation program.