plasticized polyvinyl chloride
Quick Summary
Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic resin made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride. It is a versatile plastic, second only to polyethylene in production and consumption, used in a wide range of products from raincoats to window frames. In its pure form, PVC is rigid, but it can be made flexible by adding plasticizers, such as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). This plasticized form is commonly found in floor tiles, garden hoses, and upholstery.123
While PVC is useful, concerns exist regarding potential health effects from residual vinyl chloride monomer, stabilizers, and plasticizers. The recycling code for PVC is #3.1
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