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Current Newsletter:
Growin' Up: The US Green Building Council at 15 (December 12, 2008)
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PVC & the Looming Waste Crisis
"Billions of pounds of PVC, the 'poison plastic,' are being thrown 'away' in the U.S. — but there is no away for the health threatening chemicals associated with PVC."
The disposal of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic threatens public health and the environment. Although problematic throughout its lifecycle - from production through final use - the discarding of PVC as waste poses perpetual hazards. PVC is widely used in plastic pipes, building materials (e.g., vinyl siding, windows), consumer products, disposable packaging and many everyday products. We can prevent harm from PVC by replacing it with safer, cost-effective alternatives that are available, and by diverting PVC waste away from incineration and open burning. This report summarizes data on PVC production, use and disposal in the United States, though its conclusions about the environmental health hazards of PVC are applicable to every country.
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