What Did the Makers of Vinyl Chloride Know?
Although the public was kept in the dark until the early 70’s, there were many skeptics surrounding the use VC’s. According to a study done by the B.F. Goodrich Chemical Co. in March of 1969, stylist and their patrons were in more danger than even the chemical plant workers themselves (2). The report noted that when the salons were using the products, the amount of VC in the air could reach as high as 1400ppm, well over the federal standard set at 500ppm (2). Although the companies acknowledged this, they felt the financial benefits offset the risks of lawsuits caused from the liver cancers vinyl chloride can produce. Union Carbide, in 1971, did a study, with leading scientist Dr. P.L. Viola citing the amount of tumors occurring in rats exposed to high levels of vinyl chloride. Approximately 10-15% of rats exposed to levels of VC of 5000ppm developed tumors and saw other effects. Yet even with this study, the company’s manufacturing these propellants still sold and did not acknowledge
