Is the PVC processing dangerous for workers?
There has never been any recognized case of health problems due to the exposition to VC monomer during processing of PVC. There are only few data on VCM levels recorded in processing plants in the past, all from the period before 1975. Recorded levels in the most exposed working areas (in hot blending operations) were very low (< 2 ppm), more than 100 times lower than in PVC production plants. There are no data available for the period after 1975 concerning resins with very low residual VC monomer. Early 1980's some publications suggested a link between pneumoconiosis and exposure to PVC but this was clearly explained by a simple dust overload reversible afetre the stop of exposure.
