Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. There is no additional cost to you whatsoever.
At the flip of the century, everyone was up in arms concerning the hazards of vinyl. More correctly often called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, the substance impressed slogans – “No vinyl, that’s closing” and “No PVC for me” – in addition to a documentary movie, “Blue Vinyl” that explored the environmental and well being dangers all through the life cycle of the ever-present materials. Today, vinyl is not any much less ubiquitous and no much less dangerous. Although fewer persons are listening to vinyl lately, PVC and different chlorinated polymers have made the Living Building Challenge Red List of worst-in-class constructing supplies to keep away from.
Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC is the most commonly used plastic in constructing merchandise, and the third most used plastic on the earth, because of its excessive versatility, distinctive technical properties, recyclability, and affordability. Unfortunately, the chloride monomer in PVC is a recognized human carcinogen. PVC may comprise different Red List supplies together with heavy metals and phthalates, which might off-gas from vinyl products like bathe curtains. Also, PVC’s most dangerous element, vinyl chloride, can off-gas from PVC merchandise, however solely when they’re new. (Think of the scent of a brand new plastic bathe curtain or that new-car scent.) PVC is a persistent organic pollutant supply materials as a result of the manufacture and disposal of chlorinated polymers can lead to the manufacturing of extraordinarily poisonous dioxins.
However, you might be unlikely to seek out the very best ranges of vinyl chloride in your house. Instead, PVC presents a traditional case of environmental injustice; vinyl chloride primarily impacts the employees and close by residents of the factories the place PVC is manufactured, reasonably than the shoppers who drive demand for the merchandise. The air round factories that produce vinyl merchandise accommodates the very best ranges of vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride may enter family air from contaminated water. Contaminated water is extra more likely to be discovered close to factories, however may end up from PVC pipes below sure circumstances. Vinyl chloride will also be launched if PVC is burned. Despite that hazard, communities that incinerate waste routinely settle for PVC within the rubbish.
Chlorinated Polymers
PVC is the commonest chlorinated polymer, nevertheless it’s not the one one. Others to look out for embody polyvinylidene dichloride (PVDC), chloroprene (a monomer used to make Neoprene), and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). Like vinyl chloride, the chemical constructing blocks used to make these plastics (chloroprene, chlorinated polyethylene [CPE], and chlorosulfonated polyethylene [CSPE]), are persistent natural pollutant supply supplies. Although they aren’t at all times interchangeable in client merchandise, all of those plastics share related advantages and hazards.
PVC at Home
Every dwelling in America accommodates PVC, each in constructing supplies and in home goods. PVC constructing supplies embody pipes, cables, window frames and blinds, constructing siding, ground tiles, roofing membranes, and extra. For some constructing supplies, nonvinyl options might not be obtainable. Where there are options, they’re often dearer than vinyl. Labeled #3 plastic in home goods, PVC makes bathe curtains, toys, imitation leather-based, crib bumpers, and even plastic wrap and different meals packaging.
Disposing of PVC
Although PVC is technically recyclable, PVC is the least recycled plastic, with lower than one-quarter of 1% of post-consumer PVC recovered for recycling. Most curbside recycling packages and recycling facilities don’t settle for vinyl (though it’s worth checking your native choices). If your native recycling program doesn’t settle for PVC, discovering a recycling choice is usually a problem. There is a fee-based choice for recycling shower curtains, however PVC garden hoses can’t be recycled due to their form. If you’ve gotten generated PVC waste as a part of a house renovation or building challenge, there could also be extra PVC recycling options obtainable to your contractor by means of building and demolition recycling facilities, not less than in some elements of the nation.
Avoiding PVC
Completely avoiding PVC could also be not possible. Despite the fabric’s environmental and well being impacts, there could also be instances when it’s your best option. In some circumstances, there might not be different supplies obtainable. Except for these privileged with a limiteless funds, the obtainable options might be prohibitively costly. Despite the issues with PVC, it’s nonetheless a greater choice for plumbing than lead when you can’t afford copper pipes. Most folks can in all probability swing the additional price for a fabric shower curtain or rubber garden hose. But the fee for extra sustainable siding choices might be prohibitive for a lot of owners. Convincing your kids they don’t need the plastic toys their associates have could also be a fair greater problem than cash.
Even if “no vinyl” is unrealistic, it’s value taking over the problem to keep away from PVC when you’ll be able to. Despite the challenges, plastic-free is a worthwhile aim.
