Washington (H24N). For critically ill newborn males, one chemical found in medical devices may pose a risk to their reproductive development, according to a report by The National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The NIH published a report on the risk of several chemicals found in plastic and found one hazardous agent, di-phthalate or DEHP. Researchers found that overexposure to DEHP could stunt sperm production.

The panel of 16 scientists also evaluated di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, di-n-hexyl phthalate and di-n-octyl phthalate, which are chemicals commonly found in plastic toys and cosmetics.

The plastic toxins, or phthalates, can invade the system though inhalation, ingestion, or through skin absorption. Critically ill newborns are exposed more than the general population to DEHP, because it is contained in plastic feeding and surgical tubes that are used to sustain them. Phthalates were found in their blood and urine samples.

Over the last 15 months the panel met three times. "Panel members said that they hoped their concern might lead to DEHP-free medical devices for use in infants. At the same time, they acknowledged the life-saving potential of medical devices containing DEHP to support preemies and other ill newborns through life-and-death situations," according to the report.

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