Harmful effects of PVC
Ever wondered why your new car, plastic shower cap, curtain or tote bag, or your baby's new toy has an offensive smell for days, even months? There's more to that "new" smell than you think. That whiff of bad air you get is from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created on earth - which is present in these and many other consumer products we use daily. PVC is also known as Plastic Type 3.
PVC products stink because they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are poisonous carbon-containing chemicals that are volatile enough to evaporate at room temperature. This process, called outgassing, is also problem with building products such as plywood, particleboard, carpet and pads, paints, stains and glue.
Outgassing odours are most noticeable when products are new, but diminish over time until they finally disappear. A shower curtain can outgas for a month or longer, for example, depending on conditions. High temperature and humidity will speed up the release of VOCs.
VOCs can be toxic. Most commonly they irritate eyes, noses and throats, causing coughing, headaches, dizziness and nausea. The symptoms go away when outgassing ceases. But the danger doesn't stop there. Did you know: From the time it is manufactured right up to its disposal, PVC keeps on releasing dangerous chemicals that can cause cancer, making it the worst plastic for our health and the environment.
Why PVC is dangerous
PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment thoughout its entire life cycle. The dangers of PVC are from the persistent pollutants it releases and the toxic additives used to produce PVC products. PVC is the only common plastic that contains chlorine. But PVC based products also often contain dangerous toxic additives such as mercury, dioxins, lead and phthalates (used as softeners) which can leach out and pose dangers to consumers - us.
PVC products also release toxic fumes if they catch fire.
Additives in PVC products
Phthalates - can cause cancer, kidney and liver damage, sperm damage and genital defects.
Lead - can damages brain and nervous system, causes developmental disabilities.
Organotins - can suppress immunity and disrupt endocrine system
Cadmium - is a potential neurotoxin, can cause cancer.
What is PVC?
Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC or vinyl, is one of the most synthetic materials. It's widely used in construction materials, transport and packaging materials, medical supplies, and consumer products. It gained popularity as a natural rubber substitute. PVC is presently the second most widely used plastic in the world. And it's one of today's most dangerous toxic offenders. It cannot be recycled, and it is considered by many experts to be the most dangerous, carcinogenic plastic ever created by man.
Recommended reading:
* Bisphenol A | BPA - Avoid Using Plastic Type 3 and Type 7
* How to limit your family from BPA exposure
* Mister Squiggles the hamster is unsafe for children
* The Poison Plastic - There are SAFER ALTERNATIVES
* PVC The Poison Plastic - Unhealthy for Our Nation’s Children and Schools
1 comments:
One of the most dangerous uses of PVC/vinyl is in the waterproof covering on crib mattresses. Babies spend 12 to 15 hours a day in their cribs, and they're breathing the VOCs all that time. Also, even though some of the symptoms you've mentioned go away when you remove the PVC/vinyl, there are some conditions that could be more permanent. For example, the studies done on phthalates have shown actual structural alteration caused by hormonal disruption in young boys. Parents who decide to get rid of the PVC in their environment would be wise to start with their kids' toddler and crib mattresses and vinyl toys. Even though the VOCs affect adults, the damage to kids is potentially much greater since they are still in the developmental stages.
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