Poisonous Plastic PVC

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Healthy_Child

Monday, July 28, 2008

Rubber ducky may make bath time full of toxic fumes instead of playtime fun. Many cheap, colorful plastic toys like those squeaky yellow ducks contain one of the most toxic, and yet most prevalent, U.S. plastic materials ever created: polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Banned from at least 14 countries and the European Union, PVC, also known as vinyl, is still legally sold by U.S. retailers although it threatens environmental and consumer health at every stage of its product life cycle, according to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (CHEJ). Before PVC products even leave the factory gates, the making of this petroleum and chlorine-based plastic poses numerous health hazards and risks for facility workers and neighboring communities.

PVC begins as a flammable gas called vinyl chloride, which is not only a known human carcinogen, but also releases toxic vapors in a process called “off-gassing,” which can increase the risk of liver cancer, harm the nervous system, and cause birth defects.

Studies have shown that workers in PVC facilities develop significantly higher chances of contracting multiple diseases, including a rare form of liver cancer. The pollution caused by these factories creates a huge environmental justice concern for the low-income, minority communities who reside nearby. Although it costs businesses very little to make this brittle plastic, the environment takes a toll, as PVC plants not only pollute the air, but also the water in the surrounding area, forcing many families to leave their contaminated homes and neighborhoods.

Once PVC products leave the factory and enter the home, the toxic threat continues. Manufacturers slip in softening agents called phthalates to transform PVC into the versatile plastic used in goods such as pacifiers, car seats, backpacks, building materials, electronics, and product packaging. When infants and children chew on PVC toys and baby products, they can consume these phthalates, which studies have linked to hormone disruption in animals. Lead is also a common toxic additive found in the concoction of chemicals used in PVC plastic. These harmful substances can leach out when heated or inhaled.

Even when the conscientious consumer properly disposes PVC into the recycling bin, the danger does not end there. Not only is PVC one of the least recyclable plastics since it carries so many toxic chemicals, but it also taints other perfectly recyclable materials. Just one PVC bottle can contaminate over 100,000 PET bottles, leaving them ineligible for reuse.

Despite the litany of contamination, pollution, and waste associated with polyvinyl chloride, PVC remains the second largest commodity plastic in production, with over 59 billion pounds produced globally each year – enough to fill 120 average-size sports stadiums. Fortunately, many manufacturers and consumers are breaking the cycle. California recently adopted a ban on phthalates in toys for children. Most companies are also pledging to remove PVC and phthalates from products, while many are already PVC-free including BRIO, IKEA, LEGO, Gerber, Little Tikes, Early Start, Sassy, and Tiny Love.

Here are also a few easy steps you can take to reduce your family’s exposure to phthalates:

Cut down on plastic toys. Opting for unfinished, solid wood toys or non-toxic stuffed animals can provide just as much fun as plastic toys, without having to worry about cancer-causing chemicals.
Beware of the 3! Look for a number three or the letter V or PVC in the three-arrow recycling designation in the packaging of plastic products, especially cling wrap and food and liquid containers.
Eau de new car or shower curtain? That’s the smell of toxic chemicals off-gassing from PVC. If you get a whiff of that vinyl smell, contact the manufacturer or visit their website to investigate the materials they used.
Go PVC-free. CHEJ offers alternatives to PVC building materials, office supplies, toys, and more, plus suggestions to living PVC-free.

Having trouble explaining to your children why phthalates are dangerous or why some of their plastic action figures and dolls have to go? Check out the CHEJ’s informative video animation on PVC through the eyes of a soap bar sleuth. Find out more PVC info at their website.