Često postavljana pitanja o zaštiti okoliša od PVC-a

What does ‘PVC’ stand for?

Polyvinyl chloride. PVC is commonly referred to as vinyl, and the two names can be used interchangeably. Vinyl resin can be combined with a wide range of other materials such as plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, and colorants, depending on the requirements of the end product. Not all vinyl products use the same combination of materials.

How much manufactured chlorine goes into the PVC industry?

Worldwide, about 35% of chlorine produced is used in the PVC industry. Chlorine is one of the most commonly occurring elements. Man-made chlorine is vital to many industries producing valuable modern products.

Can people working in the PVC industry contract cancer from vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)?

Vinyl chloride monomer was found to be a carcinogenic substance in the early 1970s. Prolonged and high exposure among those working with the material in the PVC industry was found to cause a rare form of cancer, angiosarcoma of the liver. Once the link was discovered, industry and governments quickly took action to reduce the level of potential exposure. Exposure limits are now below one-thousandth of what they used to be, and no cases of the cancer are known to have been detected in workers joining the industry since that time.

Do VCM or PVC factories emit large amounts of dioxins into the environment?

No. Studies in Australia, the US, UK, and the Netherlands have shown that only very small amounts of dioxin can be attributed to VCM or PVC production. Dioxin emissions in Europe and the US have halved in the last thirty years while PVC production has increased 300%. In Australia, it is estimated that 60-80% of dioxin emissions to air arise from agricultural burning off, residential wood combustion, and bushfires. The manufacture in Australia of all chemicals based on chlorine (i.e., halogen chemicals) contributes less than 1% to the total.

Are dioxins present in the PVC that is used to make everyday products?

No. Dioxins have not been found in PVC polymer at the limits of detection, even using today’s highly advanced measurement techniques.

Is PVC cling film safe?

Yes. Plasticized PVC films have been a major contributor to food safety, having properties that both protect and preserve food. Any material used to package food may result in some transfer of its constituents to the foodstuff. The migration of plasticizer from PVC film is at levels that are considered harmless by international health and legislative authorities. All Australian-made films comply with the Australian Standard for Plastics and Food Contact, AS 2070.

What are plasticizers and why does PVC require them?

To make PVC soft and flexible, plasticizers are added. A number of different products are used as plasticizers, including categories of chemicals known as phthalates (or phthalate esters), citrates, and adipates.

Environment groups claim that plasticizers used in PVC disrupt the human hormone system. If there’s any risk of this, should we still be using these substances in PVC?

Phthalate plasticizers have been used worldwide for over forty years and have been extensively studied for health effects. Phthalates are a group of chemicals, each having its own safety and toxicity profile, although they can be grouped according to molecular weight into High Molecular Weight (HMW) and Low Molecular Weight (LMW) phthalates. It appears from scientific studies that phthalates generally do not have significant effects on the female hormone, estrogen. Research has turned instead to the possibility of androgenic effects (that is, effects on the male hormone). Early studies suggest effects may be possible in laboratory animals fed high doses of LMW phthalates. There is some concern about some LMW phthalates, such as DEHP, and their use in certain products has been restricted in some countries. However, HMW phthalates, such as DINP and DIDP, have been assessed by regulatory authorities and found to be safe for use in all current applications.

Is it true that PVC products release dioxins when they burn?

Dioxins are produced when organic materials are burned in the presence of chlorine. This can occur in natural events such as bushfires and volcanic eruptions, as well as in industrial processes and the incineration of waste. The formation of dioxins depends on the combustion conditions, such as temperature and the availability of oxygen, rather than the presence of PVC. Modern incineration facilities with strict controls on temperature and emissions produce negligible amounts of dioxins.

Can PVC be recycled?

Yes, PVC can be recycled. There are established processes for recycling both post-industrial and post-consumer PVC waste. Mechanical recycling involves grinding PVC products into small particles, which are then melted and remolded into new products. Chemical recycling breaks down PVC into its chemical components, which can be used to produce new PVC or other materials. The Vinyl Council of Australia has initiatives to promote and facilitate the recycling of PVC products.

Is the use of PVC in medical applications safe?

PVC has been used in medical applications for over 50 years and is valued for its clarity, flexibility, strength, and ability to be sterilized. It is used in products such as blood bags, IV containers, and tubing. Concerns have been raised about the leaching of plasticizers, particularly DEHP, from PVC medical devices. Regulatory authorities have assessed the risks and, in some cases, have recommended the use of alternative materials for certain high-risk patients, such as neonates. However, PVC remains a widely used and important material in medical applications.

What is the Vinyl Council of Australia doing to address environmental concerns related to PVC?

The Vinyl Council of Australia has established the PVC Stewardship Program, which is a voluntary initiative aimed at improving the environmental and health performance of PVC products throughout their life cycle. The program includes commitments to best practice manufacturing, safe and sustainable use of additives, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and transparency. The Council also promotes recycling initiatives and engages with stakeholders to address concerns and improve the sustainability of PVC products.

Are there alternatives to PVC that are more environmentally friendly?

There are alternative materials to PVC, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and metals, each with its own environmental profile. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) have shown that