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PVC and Hormone Disrupters
By Sophie Anagnostopoulos
High profile environmental issues such as French nuclear testing in the Pacific, or declining fish stocks in the North Sea are common knowledge, but it is easy to feel powerless to prevent or change the situation. However there are environmental issues closer to home, about which we can all make a difference.
PVC plastic is a significant source of two hormone-disrupting chemicals: Dioxin and Phthalates. These chemicals may disrupt basic hormone functions, which control human development, growth and reproduction, as well as affecting other species of animals. Greenpeace is one of the environmental agencies concerned about their impact.
The two chemicals cause problems in different ways. Dioxin is a by-product of PVC manufacture, and can also be released when PVC is incinerated. Phthalates are additives used to soften PVC. Whilst Dioxin enters the food chain from PVC production and disposal, Phthalates leach directly from products.
Whilst this sounds dramatic, Dioxin and Phthalates are now present within both the general environment, and in foodstuffs as trace contaminants - 90% of human exposure to Dioxin occurs through our diet.
Greenpeace is campaigning industries and companies to stop using PVC - For example Greenpeace Australia helped devise a broad set of environmental guidelines for the Olympic Games 2000 in Sydney, including a commitment not to use PVC in the Olympic stadium for plumbing, flooring or electrical cabling. We as consumers have the power not to choose products contained in PVC based packaging. Many large companies have already adopted a more responsible approach - almost always there are high quality and equally priced alternatives to those contained in PVC packaging
As a foolproof guide, the symbol for PVC packaging is a triangle with a 3 in it. Triangles with other numbers inside relate to non-PVC plastics. Unfortunately not all packaging is marked, but much of it is. Greenpeace has a PVC hotline which is updated with the latest product information - +44 (0)171 865 8223. Alternatively phone for a free products listing, helping you to make a more informed decision - +44 (0)171 865 8100. Or check out the Greenpeace WebSite.
