Why use PVC in buildings if fire can result in the emission of toxins, including dioxins?
Out of all plastics, PVC is the most widely used in buildings, such as drinking water and waste water pipes, window frames, flooring and roofing foils, wall coverings, cables etc. Like all other organic materials used in buildings (other plastics, wood, clothing etc.), PVC products will burn when exposed to enough heat. However, unlike these other materials PVC products are naturally self-extinguishing, i.e. if the ignition source is withdrawn they will stop burning. Because of its high chlorine content PVC products have burning characteristics, which are quite favourable, i.e. they are difficult to ignite, the heat production is comparatively low and they tend to char rather than generate flaming droplets. But if there is a large enough fire in a building PVC products will start to burn and will emit toxic substances like any other organic material. The most dangerous toxicant emitted during fires is carbon monoxide (CO), which is responsible for 90 to 95% of deaths from fires. CO is
