PVC is everywhere, making it a difficult thing to avoid. Most of us know what it is, we know plastic isn’t good for us so we avoid it. But do you know why and where it hides and what it means? I have been surprised over the years to find where it lurks and what it means to my health, other peoples health, and the health of our planet.
The definition of PVC: “Polyvinyl chloride, (IUPAC Poly(chloroethanediyl)) commonly abbreviated PVC, is a thermoplastic polymer. It is a vinyl polymer constructed of repeating vinyl groups (ethenyls) having one of their hydrogens replaced with a chloride group.”
According to the CHEJ (Center for Health, Environment & Justice), “PVC is the most toxic plastic for our health and environment. No other plastic contains or releases as many dangerous chemicals. These include dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium, and organotins. There is no safe way to manufacture, use or dispose of PVC products.”
These are studies and facts about PVC & its byproduct Dioxin:
- A recent study found that children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which contain PVC, are twice as likely to have autism due to the emission of phthalates.
- A study of adults working in rooms with plastic wall covering materials were more than twice as likely to develop adult on set asthma.
- Studies of children conducted in Norway, Finland, Sweden & Russia found links between PVC, phthalates and respiratory problems.
- PVC plastic is the largest single use of chlorine in the U.S., accounting for about 34 percent of all chlorine production. (Later on in this series I will address the affects of chlorine on our society, so remember this statistic.)
- During all phases of PVC production Dioxin is created.
- Dioxin has been found in PVC process waste in concentrations as high as 200,750 parts per billion (ppb), which compares closely with that found in Agent Orange production wastes.
- Dioxin has been classified by the EPA as being a carcinogen.
- Dioxin is just one of hundreds of contaminants stored in the mother’s fat.
- It is consumed by nursing infants at a rate of 35-100 pg/kg (picograms per kilogram of body weight per day. A picogram is one-trillionth of a gram).
- The World Health Organization’s acceptable daily intake of dioxin is 1-4 pg/kg.
- The EPA “Risk Specific Dose” is 0.01 pg/kg,[26] which is 10,000 times lower than that the nursing child receives.
- Dioxin is the most powerful endocrine disrupter, meaning there is no human hormone that Dioxin does not affect. (These facts come from mindfully.org)
You can find PVC hiding in carpet, vinyl flooring, wallcovering, plastic wrap, plastic food bags, plastic plates, plastic silverware, building materials, clothing, packaging, toys, upholstery, inflatable products, shoes, purses, ceiling tiles, electronic equipment, furniture, shower curtains, luggage, mattresses, baby gear, medical equipment and more.
I read these things and become completely overwhelmed. I worry for my niece, my granddaughter and the people who work with PVC. I am sure it has the same affect on you and you find yourself asking “What can I do?”
Here are my suggestions:
- Buy items listed as PVC free
- Contact the manufacturers of products using PVC and demand they stop if they want your consumer dollars.
- Right now the EPA is considering measures against allowing PVC in some applications, call them or write to them and tell them you support these measures.
- Buy from companies dedicated to producing without PVC.
Unfortunately we can’t overhaul our homes and lives all at one time, it is way too expensive. However, you can start with small changes and then as you need to replace things make choices to be PVC free. Try overhauling your food storage options, buy new clothes that are organic or made from natural fibers, use natural cleaners, or better yet make your own from vinegar and baking soda.
Here are some shopping options:
This company has been dedicated to making kitchen bags, wraps etc. for years. http://www.naturalvalue.com/index.html
There are tons of products on our site, http://www.franklingoose.com/ that are PVC free.
You can buy PVC carpeting from: http://www.flor.com/service/flor/promo/eco-friendly-carpet-tiles.html?gclid=CMezr–H458CFaAO5QodFV7rHw
Buy organic clothing & bedding. (West Elm has great prices on their organic towels, & bedding)
Buy linoleum flooring instead of vinyl: http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/products/linoleum
Your voice can only be heard if you use it.
We owe it not only to our families, ourselves and the planet but to the people who have to work with this substance who face extremely high risks of cancer, breathing and other ailments, to make a change.
-Sheri
