Big Green: PVC windows

[fred widicus]

Note to all:
Although we still have some PVC manufacturing in the US, most of the PVC 
industrial base has moved to the east coast of China...low wages were a 
driver of this, but avoiding costly environmental restrictions in the US was 
the main reason for flight.
One other danger about PVC that hasn't been mentioned here yet:  Sawing into 
the material can create PVC particles of a size that are very dangerous if 
inhaled.  However, hand powered saws are unlikely to generate the dangerous 
particles...the faster the blade, the more danger in the air--circular saw 
users beware.
For those really interested in the dangers of PVC, there is a movie out made 
about a family's choice for replacing the siding on their house...I can't 
recall the name exactly but it is something like "My Blue Vinyl"...very 
in-depth presentation of the vinyl industry.


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>From: "Archie" <archie at chlorinefreeproducts.org>
>To: "Sam Kimmins" <sam at beyondgreen.co.uk>,<biggreen at lists.biggreen.org>
>Subject: Re: Big Green: PVC windows
>Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 08:04:40 -0500
>
>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
>
>_______________________________________________________________
>This green building dialogue is provided as a public service
>by Drew George, along with Environmental Building News
>http://www.buildinggreen.com. For instructions see
>http://www.biggreen.org/discussion.html
>_______________________________________________________________


><< ChlorinePlantsHiddenCulpritsinMercuryContamination.doc >>


>_______________________________________________________________
>This green building dialogue is provided as a public service
>by Drew George, along with Environmental Building News
>http://www.buildinggreen.com. For instructions see 
>http://www.biggreen.org/discussion.html
>_______________________________________________________________

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