PVC

PVC

PVC has been labeled a known carcinogen by the WHO.

The U.S. produced 16 billion pounds of PVC in 2004.

When burned PVC releases dioxin and some varieties release lead and phthalates and other contaminants.
Over time certain PVCs leach heavy metals.
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(Polyvinyl Chloride)

What you can do about PVC:
See ten ideas for action at www.besafenet.com/pvc/action.htm

Write to the US Green Building Council to tell them you want to see that PVC
does not get any credit toward sustainability.
www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/USGBC_letter_health.html

PVC Campaigns:
www.pvcfree.org	Center for Health, Environment and Justice, a non profit. Be Safe Initiative. PVC: The Poison Plastic, the campaign for safe, healthy consumer products.
www.myhouseis yourhouse.org	My House Is Your House is the consumer education and advocacy campaign tied to the award-winning documentary, Blue Vinyl, a film that explores and exposes the toxic lifecycle of PVC plastic.
www.greenpeace.org	GreenPeace. Go PVC-free Campaign.


PVC Reports/Studies:
www.besafenet.com	Be Safe Initiative of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. List of reports and resources on PVC Hazards.

PVC burning in landfill fires might currently be the single largest source of dioxin
releases to the environment. Fire fighters are at great risk to exposure as well.

PVC is formed by the addition of a plethora of toxic chemical stabilizers - such as lead,
cadmium and organotins - and phthalate plasticizers.

During PVC manufacture Dioxin ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride are unavoidably
produced, two hazardous carcinogens.

Some PVC health risks:
liver cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, lymphomas...

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It is best to dispose of PVC in hazardous waste landfill sites, or return PVC to the retailer
or manufacturer.

Campaigns

Reports/Studies

What You Can Do

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