Are lead and other heavy metal compounds actually encapsulated in the PVC Compound?
Yes, lead and other heavy metals present in PVC are considered encapsulated in the compound. Q: Will heavy metals leach out after processing? A: Heavy metals can leach out after the processing of PVC under certain conditions. Lead will leach out of most PVC compounds when tested under USEPA TCLP protocol. As individual metals have their own characteristics and yield different results when tested to the same variables, a generalized statement cannot be given. As an example depending upon the pH range of the test fluid, each heavy metal will react differently as solubility and leach out will be affected. Another factor that must be considered would be the amount of time of exposed to the leaching fluid. Q: Will the compounds contain other heavy metals? A: Perhaps, it would really depend upon how one defines “heavy metals” and the compound formulation. Generally speaking when a compound is offered as lead-free, it will also be cadmium-free as the use of cadmium ingredients in compounds we
