Number

105-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

PVC is used extensively in the construction industry. During its full life-cycle PVC releases a significant amount of toxic chemicals harmful to human health. This article introduces a database with alternatives to the different uses of PVC in construction.

Substituted substances

Reliability of information

Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed

Reason substitution

other reasons

Hazard Assessment

Substance to be substituted: PVC, polyvinyl chloride is a toxic polymer, very harmful to human health and to the environment during its full life cycle. PVC is manufactured by polymerization of the monomer vinyl chloride. Combinations of chloride (a highly toxic gas) with organic substances generates organochlorides. Organochlorides are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and imply a series of toxic effects on living organisms including damages to the immune, reproductive and nervous systems and several types of cancer. Alternative substances: There is no further information about the alternatives.

Description of Substitution

PVCs are special compounds not only because they contain chloride but also due to the amount and toxicity of the additives required for the manufacture of consumer products. PVC requires stabilisers, plasticising compounds (phthalates), biocides, flame retardants, filling compounds and other additives which might contain heavy metals (barium, lead, cadmium, zinc) phthalates and other highly toxic organic compounds. PVC-based products of regular use in the building industry, release toxic chemicals into the environment and affect the health of persons who live and work in buildings where those materials were used. This database compiled by Greenpeace introduces a series of alternatives to different PVC construction applications: Roofing and building membranes: Tensile or stressed fabric structures have become common alternatives to conventional roofs and structures. Insulation: Insulation bonded to polyethylene profiles. Windows and doors: Wooden window and doors frames. Flooring: Natural materials. Ceramic tiles and marble are highly durable. Stone and terrazzo`s are also traditional, durable materials. When a softer floor surface is required, wood, cork and linoleum can be used. Electric equipment: The main alternative power cables use polyethylene as an insulation and sheathing material. Rubber sheathed cables are also available. Also included in this section are alternatives to PVC for fittings, duct, and trunking, for example, polyethylene and steel are alternatives to PVC pipes for electricity cables. Pipes and accessories: For underground sewage pipes vitrified clay pipes are suitable and are very durable, polyethylene or ductile iron pipes and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are also good alternatives. For above ground drainage, materials such as zinc, cast iron, copper, galvanised steel or aluminium can be used as an alternative. Advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives are explained at the document.

Case/substitution evaluation

Due to the lack of information about the alternatives and the scope of the document, no final assessment is possible here. However, the substitution of PVC should be seen as a priority.

Further information

PVC Products and non-PVC alternatives https://pvcinformation.org/links/index.php?catid=2 https://pvcinformation.org/links/index.php?catid=2

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

Greenpeace International 2003

Publication source

Type of publication and availability

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/toxics/polyvinyl-chloride/pvc-free-solutions/

Date, reviewed

December 11, 2020