Vinyl chloride is regulated in drinking water, food, and air. Because it is a hazardous substance, regulations on its disposal, packaging, and other forms of handling also exist. EPA requires that the amount of vinyl chloride in drinking water not exceed 0.002 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of water (0.002 ppm).
Can vinyl chloride be absorbed through the skin?
Vinyl chloride can be absorbed through the skin. This can occur when people handle vinyl products, contaminated soil, or bathe in contaminated water. However, skin absorption is probably a minor route of exposure. No standards exist for regulating the amount of vinyl chloride allowed in the air of homes.
How does vinyl chloride affect humans?
The primary target of vinyl chloride acute exposure is the CNS. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, ataxia, inebriation, fatigue, numbness and tingling of the extremities, visual disturbances, coma, and death. Vinyl chloride can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract.
What type of toxin is vinyl chloride?
Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is an IARC group 1 carcinogen known to cause hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) in highly exposed industrial workers. VCM is a component in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins. VCM is a halogenated hydrocarbon with acute toxic effects, as well as chronic carcinogenic effects.
Is vinyl toxic to breathe?
People who breathe extremely high levels of vinyl chloride can die. Studies in animals show that extremely high levels of vinyl chloride can damage the liver, lungs, and kidneys. These levels also can damage the heart and prevent blood clotting.
Is vinyl toxic to touch?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) is the most toxic plastic for our health and the environment. Vinyl plastic products expose children and all of us to harmful chemical additives such as phthalates, lead, cadmium and organotins — all substances of very high concern. …
Is vinyl poisonous?
Vinyl chloride is a deadly toxic chemical, despite industry’s repeated attempts to hide the threats. Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). From production through disposal, vinyl chloride threatens health and contaminates the environment.
How is vinyl toxic?
During manufacturing, use and disposal of vinyl, the substance emits a toxic chemical, dioxin, which is easily absorbed by the body and stored in the fatty tissue. Dioxin is known to be a toxic chemical, but it’s also been linked to illnesses of many vital systems, such as the reproductive and immune systems.
Is vinyl bad for your health?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) is the most toxic plastic for our health and the environment. During its lifecycle — from production to use to disposal — vinyl releases some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet that have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious chronic diseases.
Is vinyl safe to breathe?
What is the maximum amount of exposure to vinyl chloride?
Permissible exposure limit. No employee may be exposed to vinyl chloride at concentrations greater than 1 ppm averaged over any 8-hour period, and No employee may be exposed to vinyl chloride at concentrations greater than 5 ppm averaged over any period not exceeding 15 minutes.
What is the smell of vinyl chloride?
Vinyl chloride has a mild, sweet odor, which may become noticeable at 3,000 parts vinyl chloride per million parts (ppm) of air. However, the odor is of little value in preventing excess exposure.
How does vinyl chloride get into the environment?
In the environment, the highest levels of vinyl chloride are found in air around factories that produce vinyl products. If a water supply is contaminated, vinyl chloride can enter household air when the water is used for showering, cooking, or laundry. Which cancers are associated with exposure to vinyl chloride?
What does this public health statement tell you about vinyl chloride?
This public health statement tells you about vinyl chloride and the effects of exposure to it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies the most serious hazardous waste sites in the nation. These sites are then placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) and are targeted for long-term federal clean-up activities.
