Haberman, S; Guess, WL; Rowan, DF; Bowman, RO; Bower, RK
Effects of polyvinyl-chloride (9002862) (PVC) resins and their additives on human serum protein, guinea-pig complement, blood grouping antibodies (neutral and immune), human erythrocytes, tissue cultures, and developing chick embryos were studied. Additives included 46 heat stabilizers, 45 plasticizers, and 5 PVC resins. A total of 120 finished products was prepared from these ingredients. Various components had adverse reactions, and some which were used for finished plastics had no adverse effects. In general, many of the heat stabilizers and inhibitors with heavy metals had a destructive effect on guinea-pig complement. Among finished plastics those containing dimethylphthalate (131113), dibutyl-suberate (16090770), dimethyl-sebacate (106796), and butyl-oleate (142778) produced toxic changes in human red blood cells. Dibutyl-suberate and some phthalates also interfered with the blood grouping antibodies. Phthalates were found to produce reduced hatch rates, neurological abnormalities, and increased chick mortality. The data indicated possible harmful qualities of certain plastics components on stored biological material, such as serum proteins, red blood cells, and antiserum. The authors conclude that plastics used for containers, dispensers, and closures for biological products must be composed of ingredients that will not damage the product during storage.
