Is PVC production and processing very dangerous for workers?
Some people believe that work in the chemical industry in general is dangerous, and hence also PVC production. There were indeed really important negative impacts due to carcinogenic Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) until the seventies, when its carcinogenic property was detected. Not knowing about this hazard, VCM was proposed before even to be used as a narcotic gas in veterinary surgery! After this hazard was identified very fast and highly effective measures were taken. This remains today an example quoted how to solve such a problem. In general, the levels of hazardous substances in the atmosphere of chemical plants is closely monitored and controlled. Control of emissions, personal protection, training and medical control of plant personnel ensure that exposure remains well within the margins of safety. The frequency and severity of accidents is extremely very low today in the chemical industry, much lower than the average of the total industry and this lowering of accident numbers g
