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(RIGHT) Pay Now or Pay Later. Vinyl products are When incinerated, PVC releases chlorine and forms
often initially cheaper than the alternatives, the dioxins; therefore, landfilling is a better alternative.
researchers note, but the ultimate cost of using However, accidental landfill fires are fairly common,
these products may be much higher. and the EPA Dioxin Inventory (www.epa.gov/dioxin)
estimates that they fires may represent a significant
USE IN BUILDING source of dioxin emissions.
Additives. PVC products require additives to improve
their stability and flexibility. In the past, these have RECYCLING VINYL: A LONG WAY TO GO
included toxic lead or cadmium stabilizers and
phthalate plasticizers. The additives are not tightly Finally, the report notes that only about one percent
bound to the PVC resin; over time, they are released of PVC is currently recycled. Ironically, incorporating
out of the plastic, where it can either be ingested or recycled vinyl in new vinyl products potentially
absorbed directly by the skin. The industry is replacing introduces some of the hazardous substances the
these harmful chemicals with “organotin” stabilizers industry is trying to avoid. Lead, cadmium, triclosan and
and non-pthalate plasticizers; however, other phthalates are among the hazardous substances found
potentially harmful additives such as halogenated in older vinyl products. Several flooring companies are
flame retardants and antimicrobial compounds are addressing this problem by limiting the sources of recycled PVC.
still being used. The majority of PVC products that do get recycled are sent to
China, where they are commingled into one waste stream, and where
Toxic Emissions from Fires. When burned, PVC “creates carcinogenic untrained, unprotected and low-wage workers sift through the scrap
dioxins, a mist of corrosive hydrochloric acid, and thick smoke.” This by hand. Some PVC products are burned in open pits to separate
toxic brew threatens occupants, first responders and anyone else who valuable metals from the plastic. GB
might be exposed during a building fire.
Read the full report here: http://bit.ly/20phd4h
END OF LIFE
Upon disposal, PVC products pose a hazard to workers, people
living near landfills and incinerators and the environment.
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