PVC is
likely the most toxic plastic to human health and our environment. It contains
numerous dangerous chemicals including vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride,
dioxins, lead, cadmium and phthalates.
PVC additives and there effects on the
human body
Phthalates
– Phthalates are chemicals used in PVC to make them more flexible and harder to
break. Phthalates are widely considered to be carcinogenic and may adversely
affect human reproduction and development.
Vinyl
chloride – Vinyl chloride produces liver damage through both inhalation and
oral exposure. In addition, several studies have indicated negative effects on male
sexual performance.
Cadmium
– Cadmium is a metal. When
breathed, cadmium will severely damage the lungs and in some cases can cause
death. The metal accumulates in the kidneys and damages filtering mechanisms.
Ethylene
dichloride - Ethylene dichloride is carcinogenic. Specifically, it has been
linked to incidence of colon and rectal cancer in men over 55 years of age.
Lead
– The health effects of lead are widely known. It can negatively affect
almost every organ in the human body. Its effects on children are particularly
disturbing. It is linked to behavior and learning problems, lower IQ, slowed
growth, anemia and hearing problems.
Dioxins
– Exposure to dioxins has been linked to several types of cancer. In
addition, Long-term exposure has been linked to impairment of the immune
system, nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive functions.
Alternatives
PVC products
have been banned in Sweden since 1995. Denmark has imposed a tax on its use. In
1998 the United States banned the use of PVC in toys; however, it is still
being used widely in building materials. The alternatives to PVC are numerous. Greenpeace
has published a list of alternatives to almost every commonly used PVC product.
The link to this list can be found below.
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