What is Vinyl / PVC?
PVC is an acronym for the chemical compound poly vinyl chloride.
Dioxin (the most potent carcinogen known), ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride are unavoidably created in the production of PVC and can cause severe health problems, including:
- Cancer
- Endocrine disruption
- Endometriosis Neurological damage
- Birth defects & impaired child development
- Reproductive and immune system damage
To manufacture with PVC, plasticiser additives known as phthalates must be injected, which are carcinogens. Plasticisers routinely escape the end product, transferring to contact surfaces and subsequently landing in the environment.
For additional information on PVC and safer alternatives such as Polycarbonate and Polypropylene see:
http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/facts.html
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/MultimediaFiles/Live/FullReport/5575.pdf
http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/about.htm
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/tags/pvc?page=1
For additional information on how to select the best chair mat material see:
