How is PVC harmful?
Healthy Child Healthy World describes PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as the most toxic plastic. Vinyl chloride, the chemical used to make PVC, has been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Vinyl plastic products expose children, and all of us, to harmful chemical additives such as phthalates, lead, cadmium and organotins.
Vinyl plastics can cause allergic skin reactions.
PVC has been banned or restricted in a number of countries around the world, such as Canada, EU countries, Spain, South Korea and the Czech Republic.
PVC is made of synthetic polymers that release harmful toxins, additives and other concentrated reactants. When these come into contact with our skin, they can react with the tissue and harm it. Prolonged exposure to PVC and related chemical products can even lead to cancer.
Apart from PVC manufacturing and use, its disposal is also a great concern for the environment. It is the largest source of dioxin-forming chlorine and phthalates, which lead to skin lesions and can further affect our nervous, reproductive and immune systems. PVC is also a major source of lead in waste, and discarded PVC releases large amounts of toxins that increase human exposure risks.
In simple words, PVC does not decompose when left in the soil, so it pollutes the soil, and burning it releases harmful, poisonous gases that pollute the air.
The major concern with PVC-based clothing is that it is highly flammable because of the chemicals it contains. It is dangerous to wear near fire, so kitchens and bonfires are complete no-nos if you are wearing PVC-based clothing.
In conclusion, we should look for eco-friendly, green alternatives to PVC-based products. That way we meet our own needs while making sustainable choices for a healthy, clean and pollution-free Earth.