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The Dangers of PVC Pipe

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe has a broad range of applications in building. It is used in water pipes, drainage pipes, conduits and duct works. It has increasingly replaced the use of metal pipes.

  1. Drinking Water Contaminant

    • PVC can leach vinyl chloride monomer into drinking water, especially in dead end pipes. When purchasing PVC pipes, the buyer needs to be aware that intake pipes are of a different grade of plastic from effluent pipes.

    Compressed Air and Gases

    • In 1988, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommended that above-ground PVC pipes be encased in metal to prevent the pipes from bursting and spraying plastic shards.

    Environmental Dangers to Small Children

    • Small children may ingest small amounts of toxins by chewing on vinyl items. PVC should not be used to make musical instruments or toys.

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