Big Green: PVC windows

[Archie]

We have 9 Chlorine Plants in the US using the Mercury Cell process.


Chlorine Plants Hidden Culprits in Mercury Contamination
by Kari Lydersen  http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3252

Archie Beaton
Chlorine Free Products Association

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sam Kimmins" <sam at beyondgreen.co.uk>
To: <biggreen at lists.biggreen.org>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 6:20 AM
Subject: Big Green: PVC windows


Jennifer,

The principle problems with PVC are, as you rightly state, dioxins and vinyl
chloride.  However, far from being a problem confined to irresponsible
manufacturers, dioxins and vinyl chloride are released by ALL PVC
manufacturing plant (unless there is a new process developed in the last 5
years, of which I am unaware).

As far as I am aware, mercury is still used in production in Europe - does
anyone have an update on this?

Additionally, at the end of the window's life, these chemicals are released
if the product is burned.

Flexible PVC (not used in windows) has the added problem of phthalate
release during use - these are suspected hormone disruptors.  However, the
uPVC used in windows does not have any in-use impacts (aside from the
aesthetic impact of PVC doors and windows making it seem as though you're
stepping into a shower cubicle rather than a home)

In some instances, PVC may be the best option available in terms of
durability, but considering the very real health and environmental risks
resulting from manufacture, we should not be blasé about using it.

I've not researched this issue thoroughly for 5 years, so I'd be interested
to hear if anyone is aware of bang up to date data.

Sam Kimmins

Beyond Green
1 Albemarle Way
London EC1V 4JB
www.beyondgreen.co.uk



Annette,
American Window Alliance (AWA) has very good EnergyStar residential
windows, which are vinyl.

Not trying to start an argument.... why do you want to avoid PVC?  Out
of honest curiosity, I've studied this in the past and have not been
able to find anything that has convinced me of its evils.  Yes, vinyl
chloride is bad; no, we don't like dioxins, but these are likely dangers
with irresponsible manufacturers who can be (and are) regulated, not
with home or other use.  PVC is a very durable material, and there are
applications where I think it is simply the best option available... one
of those is windows.  I do have something of a personal stake in the
health effects of vinyl, so am genuinely curious to find if there are
any new studies that have found PVC/vinyl to be a danger?

Good luck in your window search!
-Jennifer Hendricks

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