Why’s everyone being so fussy over the use of PVC?
August 4th, 2006 by Mollie
Because PVC, a.k.a. polyvinyl chloride or vinyl, is very harmful to your health and the environment.
PVC is the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, posing unique and major hazards in its manufacture, product life and disposal. Global vinyl production totals over 30 million tons per year, and 75% of PVC is directed to building applications.
PVC has contributed a significant portion of the world’s burden of persistent toxic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals - including dioxin and phthalates - that are now universally present in the environment and the human population.
When its entire life cycle is taken into account, it becomes apparent that this seemingly innocuous plastic is one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials produced.
To read more PVC facts visit Healthy Building Network.
August 4th, 2006 at 7:19 am
Umbra at Grist recently did an article about the risks of vinyl, and her phrase for remembering which plastic is the worst is “no vinyl, that’s final” which is pretty handy.
It’s amazing how much vinyl we have in our homes… Shower curtains, liners, even children’s toys (though I believe many newer children’s toys are safer after recent studies about how they breakdown/offgas)
August 4th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
I had no idea.
August 24th, 2006 at 4:17 am
Alotta,
It seems that once you start learning about PVC you realize how it used for so many different things. There are a lot of good alternatives to PVC as well. I am going to be writing another post of PVC and if I have find any good PVC free products I will mention them. Thank you for your comment.
Mollie