Problems with PVC

Greenpeace has recently launched a $1 million campaign aimed at the elimination of all chlorine-based compounds. One of the primary targets for phase-out is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is used in many flooring, siding, and plumbing materials. PVC is the largest single use of chlorine in the U.S., according to Greenpeace, and one of the highest-volume plastics.

Chlorines are cited for a wide range of environmental problems, ranging from dioxins released during manufacturing processes, to leaching of organo-chlorines into bodies of water, and health hazards from combustion products. Chlorine phase-outs are already occurring in the paper industry, where it will no longer be used to bleach fibers, and in CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Chlorine is the component of CFCs known to cause ozone depletion.