It is virtually impossible to go through a day without contact with plastic. Take you a second to think about all the plastic touch every day. It could be your toothbrush, remote control, food containers, toys, pens, EC card, cell phone, laptop, and I could go on and on. To enjoy all the benefits of plastic, we are much safer than others, some plastics. And it is a way that accumulate in our body actually free of harmful chemicals, houses and the environment. It is polyvinyl - chloride or PVC and it is in more things than you may realize. Do you see it and avoid it then part!
Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely used plastic in the world after polyethylene (food containers and polyester materials) and polypropylene (non-food containers and molded plastics). PVC is widely used in the construction industry in place of metal pipes. You've probably seen the white sanitary pipes in new buildings is used. PVC is also to the vinyl shower curtains to make children's toys and food containers. PVC itself is not bad for you. It is the manufacturing process, to bring it used in soft, flexible vinyl disposal process and the plasticizers that are responsible for the pollution of our body and our planet.
Production of PVC versions a known congener, vinyl chloride (VC), in the atmosphere. Emissions from the manufacturing of PVC are the leading source of VC in the air we breathe. In 2008, the EPA issued new guidelines to clear emissions from U.S. PVC plants, but there are many other manufacturers in developing countries that do not follow similar rules. Once VC enters the atmosphere, it is blown all over the world.
Disposal of PVC is also a problem. PVC products probably never decompose as are all other plastics. Burning this type of plastic is even worse because dangerous dioxins, giving the another substance are suspected are carcinogenic. PVC is recyclable, but it is not easy or cheap high chlorine content and the many plasticizers are added, because of its resulting to flexible, vinyl products.
These plasticizers help to make shower curtains, waterproof fabric, food containers and clear food packaging products such as vinyl. One of the most commonly used softeners are a family of chemicals phthalates (THA-lates). Since phthalates are bound not to the PVC they are lightweight plastic, released, especially when heated. Phthalates are believed to be for reproductive defects (especially in men), premature births and neurological development help.
So how can you avoid PVC? Start No.3 on the bottom by the avoiding of plastics with a marked. This referred to it as PVC. You also want to choose vinyl products that PVC-free, are now much more easily labeled that finding are. Now many dangerous phthalates in products for children under 12, but prohibits the ban on the United States in the year 2009 and only for newly manufactured toys into force. This means that there are still many children products, the dangerous phthalates on store shelves included. Look for newer items when shopping for younger children labeled PVC-free.
Plastics have clearly an advantage in our society, but it is more than one type select. Prevention of PVC products will help you do your part for a healthier body and you are less pollutants into the air around us will contribute.(Terri Bennett is a veteran TV Meteorologist and host of DoYourPart.com where you everyday green ideas for that are better for you and the planet.) (Send questions, to terri@doyourpart.com.)
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