Here’s what the Ecology Center says:
PVC: The Poison Plastic
“PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride (#3) has many harmful environmental effects. PVC is used in plumbing pipe, shrink wrap, outdoor furniture, some water bottles, and salad dressing bottles. Greenpeace has been working to eliminate the production of PVC, because its manufacturing processes consume approximately 30% of the chlorine used in industrial processes and release many other toxic chemicals, some of which accumulate in the body.
Recycling groups are concerned about PVC, because a small amount can severely contaminate large loads of PET (#1) plastic. PVC strongly resembles PET. If PVC is accidentally incorporated in a load of material being processed for recycling, a release of potentially toxic compounds can occur.
Disposal of PVC also presents problems. PVC is widely used for medical purposes. Medical waste is usually disposed of through incineration. Incineration of PVC can release dioxin, which is a carcinogen….”
Besides running the recycling programme in Berkeley, CA, the Ecology Center website has loads of useful environmental information.
Photo by Groupe Aménagement Numérique des Territoires.
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