POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PIPES

 

For: Mains

Topics covered:

• Standard of Lead in PVC pipes
• Associated health issues
• Polyvinylchloride

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News Flash

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Center to present a report on standards of lead and to eliminate lead as a stabilizer in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes that are generally utilized in most buildings.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to submit a report before October 21.

 

Lead Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal that is denser than most common materials. Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cut, lead is silvery with a hint of blue; it tarnishes to a dull gray color when exposed to air.

 

What

Water passing through PVC pipes which is commonly used in most buildings may contain toxic materials like lead, which has a hazardous effect on human health.

 

Background

The green panel was hearing a plea filed by environment activist seeking the issuance of notification to lay down standards for lead to be used in PVC  pipes and to phase out lead as a stabiliser in PVC pipes.

The plea also sought directions for withdrawal of PVC pipes, containing lead-based heat stabiliser, from the market and a ban on the use of such stabilisers.

 

Health Issues

• Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
• Children’s products including water bottles, lunch boxes, toys, small chairs and tables, school bags and stationery items such as pencil boxes can contain some amounts of PVC.

The following two products of PVC combustion are of particular concern:

(i) Hydrogen chloride, which is a corrosive, highly toxic gas that can burn skin and cause severe, permanent respiratory damage; and

(ii) Dioxin, the most dangerous known man-made carcinogen, which will persist in the environment for a long period of time. PVC is the largest contributor to the world’s dioxin burden.

• One study of PVC shower curtains found that they released phthalates capable of causing nausea and damage to the liver and reproductive system.
• Vinyl chloride, an essential component of PVC, is a carcinogenic and potentially explosive gas with a mild, sweet odor. It can enter drinking water released from contact with PVC pipes.

 

Polyvinyl Chloride

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer.
• It is the world’s third-most widely produced after polyethylene and polypropylene.
• Pure polyvinyl chloride is a white, brittle solid. It is insoluble in alcohol but slightly soluble in tetrahydrofuran.

 

Two forms

• Rigid

The rigid form of PVC is used in construction for pipe and in profile applications such as doors and windows. It is also used in making bottles, non-food packaging, food-covering sheets, and cards (such as bank or membership cards).

• Flexible

In this form, it is used in plumbing, electrical cable insulation, imitation leather, flooring, signage, phonograph records, inflatable products, and many applications where it replaces rubber.

 

Source: News On Air

 

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