What is Vinyl Chloride?
Vinyl chloride is a toxic chemical compound frequently used in manufacturing. Diverse industries have made use of this highly combustible, colorless gas. Vinyl chloride is also known as chloroethene, chloroethylene, and ethylene monochloride. A known human carcinogen, vinyl chloride can cause liver cancer, angiosarcoma, and other health problems in people who are exposed to it.
Uses of Vinyl Chloride
One of vinyl chloride's most common uses is in the making of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is a part of many products, from pipes to wire coverings. The construction, furniture, automobile, plastics, rubber, paper, and glass industries also rely on vinyl chloride for use in many of their products.
Vinyl Chloride Exposure
People are exposed to vinyl chloride in one of two ways: breathing in air containing vinyl chloride or consuming water contaminated with it. When vinyl chloride is used in manufacturing, it can be released into the air. Vinyl chloride can enter groundwater-and thus eventually a population's drinking supply-through spills or contact with polluted wastewater.
People are most likely to suffer vinyl chloride-related health consequences when exposed to high concentrations of the chemical or when exposed to lower levels over a long period of time. Most people who are exposed to dangerous levels of vinyl chloride come into contact with the chemical at work. People involved in industries that use vinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the most likely to be exposed. In addition, people who live or work near manufacturing facilities that use PVC may be exposed to vinyl chloride.
Dangers of Vinyl Chloride Exposure
Vinyl chloride is known to cause cancer and other serious health problems in people who are exposed to it. The circulatory, nervous, and immune systems can all be affected. The severity of harm typically corresponds to the level of exposure. Short-term, low level contact may cause temporary lightheadedness, fatigue, and confusion. Brief exposure to higher levels of vinyl chloride can cause more serious health problems, including death in extreme cases. Exposure over a long duration can lead to the development of a number of life-threatening diseases, including liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, and
angiosarcoma. |
