PVC Life cycle hazards of PVC Release of toxic byproducts of production (for example, dioxin) Release of toxic additives during use (for example, phthalates, heavy metals) Creation of dioxin when PVC is burned (for example, in incineration or accidental fires)

PVC Phthalate plasticizers Danish EPA stated that,” phthalates are the most abundant man made environmental pollutants & human intake per day, via various routes, is measured in tens of milligrams.” 1995 Phthalates do not bond to PVC and leach readily. Dispersed into the environment mainly by becoming volatized & transported in the air. Found in soil, air, water, sediments, animals and people throughout the world. DEHP has been detected in pristine areas of the earth, such as Antarctica and in the center of the Pacific ocean.

PVC Health effects of phthalate plasticizers DEHP has been classified by the US EPA as a probable human carcinogen. International agency for Research on cancer (IARC) lists it as a human carcinogen DEHP causes liver tumors in rats and mice The effects on the second generation are often greater than the first In the body, DEHP is converted to MEHP, which is reported to produce testicular damage and is toxic to the heart