ecomii - a better way
March 21, 2010  |  Login
Evaluating Vinyl
By Eric Corey Freed
 

Vinyl creeps into a surprising number of construction products. It can be found in everything from pipes, to floor tile, to windows. In fact, it’s often hard to know when or where vinyl will show up. You have to look carefully for it!
Here’s where vinyl comes out on the life-cycle test:

  • Where does vinyl come from? Vinyl, also referred to as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a type of plastic polymer made from petroleum, and is one of the most common synthetic materials. Verdict: Bad.
  • What are the by-products of producing vinyl? Often referred to as the “poison plastic,” vinyl has been linked to numerous rare cancers occurring in the factory workers and in neighborhoods surrounding the production plants. Verdict: Bad.
  • How is vinyl delivered and installed? So toxic it is only produced in a handful of locations, raw vinyl is shipped to thousands of manufacturers around the world to be made into everything from siding to children’s toys. It has to travel vast distances, using immense amounts of energy. Verdict: Fair.
  • How is vinyl maintained and operated? Vinyl is incredibly flexible and durable. It does not require additional painting or finishing. Verdict: Good.
  • How healthy is vinyl? In its final state, vinyl is inert and does not release chemicals. In a fire, however, vinyl produces smoke fumes so toxic that they can kill the inhabitants in 20 minutes. The health issues surrounding the production of vinyl are severe. Verdict: Bad.
  • What do we do with vinyl after we’re done with it? Although technically recyclable, vinyl is so difficult to recycle that most recycling plants will not accept it. Even if it does manage to find its way to a recycling center, it can only be made into more vinyl. Verdict: Bad.

When most people think of vinyl, they probably think fondly of their old vinyl LP records. But the truth about vinyl is less romantic. PVC appears in thousands of different formulations and configurations. Approximately 75% of all PVC manufactured is used in construction materials. PVC is the worst plastic from an environmental-health perspective, posing great environmental and health hazards in its manufacture, product life, and disposal. Fortunately, healthier alternatives exist. For a list of alternatives to vinyl, visit http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/.

 
 

Recent Message Board Posts

 

 
 
ecomii featured poll

Are vitamins and supplements effective?

 

 

Are vitamins and supplements effective?
 
the ecomii eight
1 Winter Squash   5 Pistachio Stuffing
2 Chestnuts   6 Cap & Trade
3 Carbon Footprint   7 Pecan Pie
4 Supplements   8 Natural Health
 
ecomii resources
 
ecomii Tips Newsletter 

Sign up today to receive a weekly tip for living greener

 
Get in Touch

Got suggestions? Want to write for us? See something we could improve? Let us know!