What are phthalates and heavy metal, and does vinyl siding contains some?
Phthalate are used in a large variety of products ranging from shower curtains to perfumes or agricultural additives, making people commonly exposed to phthalates. They are linked to change in hormone levels and birth defects and are being phased out of many products in the US and in Europe. More details can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate Heavy metals as defined in medical usage include all toxic metals; heavy metal poisoning can include excessive amounts of iron, manganese, aluminum or beryllium. Toxic metals sometimes imitate the action of an essential element in the body, interfering with the metabolic process to cause illness. More details can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_metal CertainTeed vinyl does not contain phthalates or heavy metals. Many in the green building community are focused on the elimination of these components. . While many other manufacturers do use them, CertainTeed has not used them.
