Hey DJ, spin that vinyl! Ugh! Oh no, not vinyl chloride!
Vinyl chloride is not a naturally occurring substance. It is a colorless, flammable gas that is unstable at high temperatures. Vinyl chloride can evaporate quickly in air or the surface of water. However, it may also be broken down in harmful substances. It also has a mild, sweet scent.
It is most commonly found in certain workplaces, especially in the plastics industries, hazardous waste sites, landfills, and contaminated drinking wells. Vinyl chloride is used to make PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is then used to make plastic goods such as pipes, wire coatings, and packing materials.
Vinyl chloride can negatively affect human health. Breathing high levels of this substance can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, and even death. Chronic exposure can lead to liver and damage, immune reactions, and liver cancer.
The EPA has limits on the level of vinyl chloride allowed in drinking water, while the OSHA limits the amount allowed in a workplace. The FDA limits the content of vinyl chloride in plastics depending on the type of plastic and intended use.
For More Information Regarding Vinyl Chlorides:
CDC: Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ASTDR)
