Building Biology Resources Banning PVC | Banning PVC |
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22 Januarury 2008
The use of PVC in toys will be banned in the European Union Community as well as California in 2009. It has been proven that harmful chemicals leach from vinyl plastics and the ban has been put in place to protect young children. However using PVC and Vinyl in all other products will still be allowed. This type of plastic is used extensilvely in building materials and upholstery including water pipes here in Australia.
Under continued pressure from health, consumer, and environmental groups, Target Corporation has finally agreed to reduce its use of the plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in packaging and children's products, such as lunch boxes, bibs, shower curtains and fashion accessories. Greenpeace has been spreading the word about the dangers of PVC and campaigning to get these poisonous plastics banned from Target Stores. Over 8,000 Greenpeace supporters and activists rallied behind the call to Target—get toxic PVC out of our stores. And, finally our message has been heard. Reducing (and eventually eliminating) PVC from the market is a win for the environment and a win for public health! Greenpeace has been urging major retailers, toy companies, hospitals and builders to avoid using PVC more than a decade. PVC is made with vinyl chloride, which the Environmental Protection Agency has classified as a human carcinogen. Another concern with vinyl products is they may contain lead, which can pose a problem if the plastic deteriorates or children put the products in their mouths. Phthalates, chemicals often added to PVC to increase flexibility, have been linked to reproductive development problems in males. The European Union and California have banned the sale of toys containing phthalates. The California ban will go into effect in 2009. Greenpeace recently exposed that Apple’s iPhone and iPod headphone cords contain hazardous PVC. PVC is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics. Since safer alternatives are available for virtually all uses of PVC, it is possible to replace all uses of (and eventually phase out) this poison plastic. Greenpeace 2008 |