Effect of PVC on Living Environment
PVC is subject of regular discussion regarding the possible effects on health and environment. This discussion covers a number of points in the life cycle of PVC products, ranging from the production of raw materials to the processing of the final product as waste.
These issues include among others the debate surrounding the use of plasticizers in soft PVC and its possible effects on public health. However, this problem doesn't arise in hard PVC applications, such as Dumaplast products, as no plasticizers are used for this.
In addition, there is the problem of the presence of heavy metals in the stabilizers used (Pb). As indicated elsewhere, Dumaplast has already used an alternative stabilizer (Ca/Zn) for many years, so this problem was overcome.
Regarding the use of PVC in the construction industry, a study conducted by the Australian CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), following a controversy in the construction of utilities for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, concludes:
’However, the use of PVC in buildings has minor environmental consequences, for the following reasons:
• the rigid PVC products used in buildings can be easily recycled when the building reaches the end of its life cycle; PVC building products offer an ideal opportunity for recycling, given that they are easily identified and that increasing quantities will become available.
• the inherent non-flammability of PVC is a positive attribute in a building fire situation’
The study mentioned above consulted all available information, both in Australia and abroad, on PVC in all its applications, as well as reliable sources in scientific literature, in addition to public sector information and academic material.
Further reference can be made to the results of the study conducted by the British National Centre for Business and Ecology on behalf of a group of chain stores, published in 1997. This study concludes:
’The study team was unable to find conclusive scientific evidence linking the production, use or disposal of PVC compounds where best industrial practice is utilized to substantial harm to human health. Likewise conclusive evidence of serious environmental harm resulting from manufacture, use or disposal undertaken to the highest standards was not found, although past and some current production/disposal falls short of those standards. Where there is evidence of harm to human health or the environment, evidence that PVCs form a major factor against other processes or products was not found.’
Another point of discussion is the alleged share of PVC in dioxin production in waste incineration. The CSIRO study cited above, in addition to several others, concludes regarding this:
’The amount of PVC in waste has little or no effect on dioxin formation in municipal solid waste incineration. It seems clear that the PVC component in present-day municipal solid waste is small, and that provided the incinerator is operated efficiently, any consequent public health and environmental damage will be insignificant. The dioxin content of the PVC product itself is below detectable limit.’
If you have any other questions, then do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly help you further.