Why focus on PVC?
From production to disposal, PVC is associated with the use and release of hazardous chemicals. During the production phase, workers at PVC facilities, as well as residents in surrounding areas, may be exposed to vinyl chloride (the building block of PVC) and/or dioxin (an unwanted byproduct of PVC production), both of which are carcinogens. At the end of a product’s life, PVC can create dioxin when burned. PVC is not easily recycled. Lead and other metals are sometimes used as a stabilizer or to impart other properties to PVC plastic. Because PVC is an inherently brittle material, it requires additives to make it flexible and to impart other properties. Another group of additives that can be found in some PVC products are phthalates. Phthalates are used as a softening agent to make the plastic flexible. Over 90% of all phthalates are used in PVC products.
