SummaryPoly vinyl chloride (PVC) infusion equipment contains substantial amounts of the plasticiser di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). We determined the amount of DEHP leached from Mediplus Dual TIVA Ò Infusion sets, into lipid and nonlipid infusates. Two propofol admixtures (Diprivan Ò 1%, Propoven Ò 1%), Intralipid Ò 10% and 0.9% saline were evaluated as infusates. Solutions were infused through TIVA sets at 12 ml.h )1 for 6 h at 24, 32 and 37°C. In addition, TIVA sets were filled with 2 ml infusates, sealed and incubated at 24 and 37°C for 6 h. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was detected in all lipid infusates after dynamic infusion and static contact, and in 0.9% saline after dynamic infusion at 37°C. At 32 and 37°C, the quantity of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate leaching into the lipid infusates may exceed the recommended maximum exposure amount set by the European Union for DEHP of 20-48 lg.kg Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticiser in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacture, imparting flexibility to a wide variety of applications. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is ubiquitous in the environment and it is estimated that approximately 70-100% of a given human population will have a detectable concentration of DEHP and ⁄ or its metabolites in their blood or urine at any time [1][2][3][4][5]. In animal studies, DEHP is a liver carcinogen and causes reproductive abnormalities in offspring exposed to the chemical during gestation and through to puberty; males are particularly affected [6][7][8][9]. However, the variability of effects between species means that, at present, the validity of extrapolating animal data to man remains unresolved. The use of DEHP as a plasticiser results from its non-covalent binding to PVC molecules, allowing the latter to slide over each other [10]. However, the noncovalent binding also results in DEHP's leaching from PVC into the surrounding environment [11]. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is a highly lipophilic molecule, so immersion in a lipid-containing environment will increase leaching [12].