The Perils of PVC

A better home.

September/October 2004
By Natural Home magazine editorial staff 
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Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC or vinyl, is an inexpensive, widely used synthetic material. Unfortunately, PVC has numerous health and environmental risks:

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  • PVC manufacturing creates dioxin, a potent carcinogen that accumulates in fatty tissue and breast milk.
  • Produces ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride, which are linked to endocrine disruption, endometriosis, neurological damage, birth defects, impaired childhood development, and reproductive and immune system damage.
  • Often contains toxic stabilizers such as lead, cadmium, and phthalate plasticizers (particularly DEHP, a softener), which can seep from PVC products and may contribute to asthma, lead poisoning, and cancer.
  • When exposed to extreme heat, PVC releases deadly gases such as hydrogen chloride.
  • If PVC ignites, it releases dioxins, making it a danger in building fires.
  • Is nonrecyclable and interferes with other plastic recycling.

Sources: HealthyBuilding.net, InformeDesign.com, NoHarm.org

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