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Things Containing Vinyl Chloride

Vinyl chloride, also known as chlorethylene, is a flammable gas. It is colorless and evaporates quickly. Use of vinyl chloride in manufacturing leads to many people being exposed to small amounts of it on a regular basis. This gas is used to make many different household products including pipes, wire coatings, kitchenware and upholstery. In large amounts, vinyl chloride is toxic and can cause damage to the nervous and immune systems of people exposed to it over a long amount of time, typically several years.

  1. Plastic Food Containers

    • Small amounts of vinyl chloride can be found in some plastic food storage containers. In the past, these amounts could potentially be toxic if ingested through the food stored in the containers. As of 2008, the United States government regulates the amount of vinyl chloride that can be used in food containers and packaging, such as water bottles, to prevent the gas from seeping into the food stored in the containers. Government regulations in the United States via the Centers for Disease Control keep the amount of vinyl chloride used in the production of food and drink containers at a minimal level that is non-toxic by itself.

    Pipes

    • The most common item containing vinyl chloride is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipes. These pipes are commonly used in household plumbing and do not contain amounts of vinyl chloride that are toxic after the manufacturing process is complete. Manufacturing plants that produce PVC pipes can expose workers to dangerous levels of the gas because of the concentration and length of exposure time. Areas surrounding these plants may be exposed to toxic amounts of vinyl chloride in the air or in rare instances it may seep into the ground, contaminating the water supply. PVC manufacturing plants are regularly checked for high levels of vinyl chloride to help keep both their workers and the surrounding communities safe from toxic exposure.

    Vehicle Upholstery

    • Vinyl chloride is used in the manufacturing of vehicle upholstery. Though most of the vinyl chloride dissipates once the manufacturing process is completed, some may linger and once closed inside a vehicle, can reach toxic levels. When entering a car for the first time on a car lot, many people attribute the sweet smell of vinyl chloride to "new car smell." Though vinyl chloride is not toxic except in large amounts with prolonged exposure, as a precaution it is best to open the doors or windows of the vehicle and allow it to air out for several hours to prevent any possible contamination.

    Kitchenware

    • Plastic kitchenware such as spoons, bowls, cups, and plates all contain trace amounts of vinyl chloride. The vinyl chloride is used during the manufacturing process of these items, with the majority of the small amount used evaporating after the completed production of the item. Though some may still linger during transport, customers generally have nothing to fear by using these products as the amount approved for the manufacturing process is far below toxicity levels for vinyl chloride exposure.

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