Beyond Plastics Raises Alarm On The Toxicity Of Pvc And Cpvc Pipes, Calling For A Nationwide Ban

Photo Source- Google.com

Beyond Plastics, a non-profit organization, is pursuing the end of plastic pollution through campaigns against the use of PVC to replace lead water pipes.

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A 56-page report was released by the group on April 18, highlighting the human health risks associated with PVC and recommending avoidance of its use as well as CPVC for water pipes.

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According to Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and former EPA regional administrator, roughly 30–60 different toxic chemicals released by PVC and CPVC pipes and their fittings have been documented by independent researchers.

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Given the potential health consequences, the report raises concerns about the use of PVC pipes for drinking water.

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Meeting the legally recognized standard for water pipes in the US and Canada, it is argued by plastic pipe trader groups that PVC pipes are safe and have been rigorously tested for nearly 60 years.

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According to the Vinyl Institute, a trade group representing vinyl manufacturers, many municipal governments rely on PVC to bring clean drinking water to their residents.

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The issue is made relevant now by the $15 billion spent by the US federal government to help municipalities replace lead water service lines.

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In roughly 9,2 million US houses and 400,000 schools and daycare centers, lead service lines carrying water from the mains in the street to the plumbing system in their buildings are still present.

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According to the Beyond Plastics report, the $15 billion provided by the federal government does not offer guidance around what piping materials should be used to prevent homes from swapping one problematic material for another.

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As claimed by the report, some chemical additives in PVC are known to be toxic to humans, and many of these have yet to be tested for safety.

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