Polyvinyl Chloride: Hazards of PVC and It’s Alternatives.

Polyvinyl Chloride which is commonly know as PVC or Vinyl is one of the most commonly used synthetic or to say non biodegradable material. The production, use and disposal of PVC are all very hazardous to the environment and human health. The effects are many, to name some ; cancer, heart disease, birth defects… The list goes on.There are many alternative to PVC, some of them more expensive and may be even labour taking. But health and the preservation of environment is most important. So here we have some alternatives for PVC,

 PVC Disposal in China

   

1. Alternatives for PVC pipes are; cast iron, vitrified clay, and plastics such as crosslinked, polyethylene and HDPE (High Density Polyethylene).
2. Alternative materials for PVC sidings are; wood, fibercement board, polypropylene and acrylic siding.
3. Alternative materials for doors and windows include wood, fiberglass, and aluminum windows and doors.
4. Alternative materials for wall covering are, natural fiber and polyethylene wall coverings. 

 PS: We can learn more on the hazards of PVC and the alternatives we have for it on (Sources) – http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/Thornton_Enviro_Impacts_of_PVC.pdf and http://www.greenaction.org/healthybuildings/documents/hb_overview.pdf.

Article by, Healthy Buildings: “Alternatives to Toxics in Construction“, 2000 Jan.

Thornton, Joe, Ph.D., “Environmental Impacts of Polyvinyl Chloride Building Materials” © Healthy Buiding Network, 2002.

Posted By: Krithi Bhat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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