Polyvinylchloride Contraversy - Essay Example

PVC Controversy PVC Controversy Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is a tough and rigid synthetic thermoplastic used extensively across the world. PVC remains unique among other thermoplastics owing to its high ability to withstand high temperatures. It has superior fire performance relative to other polymers. The synthesis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is done using free-radical polymerization of Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), which is the primary material from which PVC is manufactured. The major raw materials for the synthesis of VCM include oil, natural gas and salt.

Ethylene and propylene among others are usually obtained through thermal cracking of naphtha, which is usually supplied from oil used by petroleum refinery industry (PVC, n.d). In the initial stage of PVC synthesis, ethylene and chlorine are fused to produce ethylene chloride, which is then used to produce vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride molecules are then polymerized to create PVC chains, which is a white powder. The white powder can then be combined with other ingredients to yield variety of products.

Because the salt needed to manufacture VCM, the main raw material for manufacturing PVC, is obtained from sea water, chlorine needed to manufacture PVC is inexhaustible. Because it contains chlorine group bonded to the chain and the absence of heteroatom in its structure, PVC is basically chlorine having carbon-carbon polymer. PVC is usually manufactured through three processes: suspension polymerization, mass polymerization and emulsion and microsuspension polymerization. The main characteristics of PVC include: Excellent thermal and sound insulation: PVC has extremely low thermal conductivity provides superior heat insulation.

This makes it suitable for use in windows and electric cables among others. PVC is flexible in design: It can be utilized safely in numerous circumstances. PVC requires no maintenance: It is not affected by atmospheric agents because it is manufactured from stable materials. PVC is flame retardant: It is self-extinguishing thus used in construction and all other areas of application. The characteristics of PVC make it suitable for many uses. It is used in: Building and construction: PVC is widely used in building and construction.

It is used for windows, doors, pipes, shutters, frames and tiles among others (Joyce, 2005). Automobile: PVC is used to manufacture various car components such as dashboards, doors and electrical cabinets among others. Electricity and electronics: PVC is used to make electric cables for both domestic and industrial use, pipes and sockets among other electric appliances. Packaging: PVC is commonly used to package foodstuffs as well as pharmaceuticals (Rapra Technology Limited, 2 007). Manufacturing or vinyl toys.

Despite its extensive use and low cost, PVC has not been without controversy over its safety. Research has shown that high amounts of phthalates are toxic to human health. Earl Gray revealed in his work that male reproductive development is highly responsive to certain phthalates (Colborn, Dumanoski & Myers, 2006). Gray found out that high exposures to “the phthalates dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) produced dramatic changes in male sexual characteristics” (Colborn, Dumanoski & Myers, 2006, Para 5).

Some studies have revealed that high levels of phthalates destroy DNA of sperms with debate ensuing over the ban of toys for children, which contain DEHP (Colborn, Dumanoski & Myers, 2006). People should continue using PVC for electric and electronics as well as building and construction because of its low thermal conductivity, which guarantees safety. PVC can also be recycled, thus environmental friendly. However, this should be accompanied by robust assessment to ensure that PVC used do not contain high levels of DEHP and DBP in order to minimize health risks associated with PVC.

References Colborn, T. Dumanoski, D. & Myers, J.P. (2006). Our Stolen Future: About phthalates. Retrieved June 1, 2014 from http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/NEWSCIENCE/oncompounds/phthalates/phthalates.htm Joyce, M. A. (2005). Residential construction academy: Plumbing. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson/Delmar Learning. PVC. (n.d).How is PVC made? Retrieved June 1, 2014 from http://www.pvc.org/en/p/how-is-pvc-made Rapra Technology Limited. (2007). Food contact polymers 2007: First international conference, 21-22 February 2007, Brussels, Belgium.

Shrewsbury: Rapra Technology