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Posted by Support Team Backdropsource on
Welcome to this one-of-a-kind, informative guide to printing on
The topics covered in this article are:
What is PVC vinyl?
Polyvinyl chloride commonly known as "vinyl" is one of 7 different types of plastics and it is marked with the number 3. It is found everywhere around us: trade shows, commercial premises, events and hundreds of other products .
Its advantages are that it is very versatile and relatively inexpensive. The processing of PVC requires the use of many additives to make the plastic flexible, to obtain products for different purposes and with different levels of flexibility. As a building material, PVC is cheap, easy to install and easy to replace.
Why is it considered harmful?
Polyvinyl chloride – PVC – is the most toxic plastic for our health and it is not so good for the environment either. It has high environmental and human health costs that its manufacturers fail to tell its consumers. In particular, it is made from oil, one of our rare natural resources.
From its manufacture to its disposal, PVC emits toxic compounds. During the manufacture of the constituent components of PVC (such as vinyl chloride monomer), dioxin and other persistent pollutants are emitted into the air, water and soil, posing acute and chronic risks for health. When used, PVC products can release toxic additives, for example flooring can release fabric softeners called phthalates.
Can PVC be recycled?
Plastic is plastic, right?
When PVC reaches the end of its useful life, it cannot be recycled, so it must either be landfilled, where it releases toxic additives, or incinerated, again emitting dioxins and heavy metals. When PVC burns in accidental fires, hydrogen chloride gas and dioxin are formed. No other plastic contains or releases as many dangerous chemicals as PVC vinyl. There is no safe way to manufacture, use or dispose of PVC products.