Polyvinyl Chloride And How Is It Ethical To Use PVC?
Issue Investigation: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Introduction: (Approximately 150 words) – KU3
· This investigation will be looking at the positives and negatives of using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and providing viewpoints on whether it is ethical to continue using this toxic plastic. PVC is a useful plastic, but can be harmful to humans and the environment. This plastic is used in medicinal tablet containers, to make bags for bedding, shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap, and tamper resistant lids. When it has been plasticised, it can be used to make artificial leather, bath tub toys, inflatable bathing rings and table cloths. (Dvorsky and Bennington-Castro) Because of the wide range of household objects PVC is used to make, it affects …show more content…
Other chemicals can then be added for varying effects. PVC is quite old compared to many other synthetic materials. It was accidentally discovered twice in the 19th century, as a white solid inside flasks of the newly discovered vinyl chloride gas that had been left exposed to sunlight. This was patented in the early 20th century, where it was chosen by Waldo Semon for BFGoodrich as an alternative for expensive natural rubber. In the 1920’s PVC was nearly abandoned because of the recession, but was saved when Semon came up with the idea to use it as water resistant coating for fabrics. During WWII PVC quickly replaced traditional material to insulate wiring on military ships. During the 1950’s PVC became increasingly popular, and PVC became essential for industry; the plastic's light, chemical and corrosion resistance made an optimal choice for building. Improvement made to temperatures resistance allowed for PVC to transport water to thousands of homes.
Reference List: (This is not included in the word count) – I2
Dvorsky, George and Joseph Bennington-Castro. "How To Recognize The Plastics That Are Hazardous To Your Health". Io9.gizmodo.com. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 May 2016.
Sevenster, Arjen. "History - PVC". Pvc.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 13 May 2016.
"Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Chemical Composition & Properties". Plasticmoulding.ca. Web. 13 May 2016.
Walsh, Bill. "EPA Reaffirms PVC's Negative Health Impacts". Healthy Building Network. N.p., 2012. Web. 13 May
· This investigation will be looking at the positives and negatives of using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and providing viewpoints on whether it is ethical to continue using this toxic plastic. PVC is a useful plastic, but can be harmful to humans and the environment. This plastic is used in medicinal tablet containers, to make bags for bedding, shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap, and tamper resistant lids. When it has been plasticised, it can be used to make artificial leather, bath tub toys, inflatable bathing rings and table cloths. (Dvorsky and Bennington-Castro) Because of the wide range of household objects PVC is used to make, it affects …show more content…
Other chemicals can then be added for varying effects. PVC is quite old compared to many other synthetic materials. It was accidentally discovered twice in the 19th century, as a white solid inside flasks of the newly discovered vinyl chloride gas that had been left exposed to sunlight. This was patented in the early 20th century, where it was chosen by Waldo Semon for BFGoodrich as an alternative for expensive natural rubber. In the 1920’s PVC was nearly abandoned because of the recession, but was saved when Semon came up with the idea to use it as water resistant coating for fabrics. During WWII PVC quickly replaced traditional material to insulate wiring on military ships. During the 1950’s PVC became increasingly popular, and PVC became essential for industry; the plastic's light, chemical and corrosion resistance made an optimal choice for building. Improvement made to temperatures resistance allowed for PVC to transport water to thousands of homes.
Reference List: (This is not included in the word count) – I2
Dvorsky, George and Joseph Bennington-Castro. "How To Recognize The Plastics That Are Hazardous To Your Health". Io9.gizmodo.com. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 May 2016.
Sevenster, Arjen. "History - PVC". Pvc.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 13 May 2016.
"Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Chemical Composition & Properties". Plasticmoulding.ca. Web. 13 May 2016.
Walsh, Bill. "EPA Reaffirms PVC's Negative Health Impacts". Healthy Building Network. N.p., 2012. Web. 13 May