Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson Introduces AB 2300 to Protect Californians from Harmful Chemicals in Medical Supplies

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, a dedicated advocate for public health, has introduced Assembly Bill 2300 (AB 2300) aimed at safeguarding Californians from the dangers posed by Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in intravenous (IV) bags and tubing.

DEHP, a type of phthalate commonly used in medical plastics, has long been associated with serious health risks including cancer and birth defects. It is used extensively in IV bags and tubing, with some containing up to 40% DEHP by weight. The chemical has been shown to leach into fluids administered to patients, posing a significant risk to their health.

Assemblywoman Wilson emphasized the urgency of AB 2300, stating, "As someone who has battled cancer firsthand, I understand the critical importance of ensuring that our medical supplies are safe and free from harmful chemicals like DEHP. Every Californian deserves access to medical care that prioritizes their health and well-being."

“No one knows how many women with breast cancer are getting sicker or dying because their IV transfusions are exposing them to the toxic effects of DEHP. This has got to stop,” said Janet Nudelman, Sr. Director of Program and Policy at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “Thank you Assemblywoman Wilson for authoring this long overdue, much-needed, common sense legislation.”

Safer alternatives to DEHP-laden IV bags and tubing already exist and are utilized by major hospitals and healthcare systems. AB 2300 seeks to phase out the use of DEHP in medical supplies and prohibit its substitution with other harmful ortho-phthalates, thereby protecting patients from unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals.

The need for legislative action is clear, as DEHP has been classified as a human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has also labeled DEHP as a possible carcinogen to humans. Furthermore, DEHP is known to be an endocrine-disrupting compound, with links to various cancers including breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer. Exposure to DEHP during pregnancy has also been associated with adverse effects on child development and reproductive health.

AB 2300 represents a proactive approach to addressing these concerns. The bill will prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of IV bags containing DEHP for all patients and IV tubing used for high-risk patients in California. Additionally, manufacturers will be barred from replacing DEHP with other harmful ortho-phthalates.

Assemblywoman Wilson concluded, "By passing AB 2300, we can take a significant step towards protecting the health and well-being of Californians, ensuring that our medical supplies meet the highest safety standards."

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson was elected in April 2022 to represent California’s 11th Assembly District which includes all of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties. The District includes the Cities of: Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Oakley, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville and Vallejo