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March 19th, 2005

"Vinyl’s popularity may soon be overshadowed by its risks"

The use of vinyl has become one of the most commonly used forms of siding in new construction in the U.S. Its popularity has been in response to its low maintenance, affordability, resistance to fading and the wide array of color choices, but it might be presenting major health and environmental concerns.

Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride, a plastic resin that is linked to a rare from of liver cancer in humans. Due to the toxic chemicals the vinyl releases, its manufacture and disposal is hazardous to human health and to the environment. Some consumer groups and environmentalists have been lobbying for a polyvinyl chloride phase-out, and some targeted companies have since agreed to eliminate the use of the toxic materials.

The makers of an independently produced documentary titled “Blue Vinyl” support eliminating vinyl because of its risks. Nominated for two Emmy Awards in 2003 for “best research” and “best documentary,” the independent documentary is part of the ongoing debate between finding a balanced view on vinyl because of the numerous pros and cons both sides present.

According to BuildingGreen Inc., an independent company, it says it is committed to providing accurate, unbiased and timely information to help building industry professionals and policy makers improve the environmental performance and reduce the adverse impacts of buildings, claiming there are more questions than answers about polyvinyl chloride. Based on various studies and compelling evidence, polyvinyl chloride is especially dangerous because of the severe human hazards it poses over the course of its life cycle.