Polyvinyl chloride or commonly called PVC is the third most widely produced plastic. PVC is mostly used in construction now. It can be used as water pipes, sewage pipes, or used on the coating of electrical wires. There are other uses for PVC such as sports and clothing. PVC seems to be a great product, but it has problems. The problems with PVC come from how it is made and what toxics the process gives off.

The process of making PVC is very hazardous to the workers and the environment. PVC gives off dioxin. Dioxin is the worst carcinogen in the world today. Once this carcinogen gets into the body, it can cause cancer and many other health problems. The environment also takes a hit from dioxin. The carbon dioxide given off during this process goes into the atmosphere with dioxin in it. The toxic air is then carried up to the North Pole by the wind. Once in the North Pole, animals eat plants that have it on their leaves or in there stems. The dioxin stores inside the animals fat and never leaves the body. This animal then gets eaten by another animal in the life cycle. The life cycle keeps going and more and more animals get affected. For example, polar bears have extremely high levels of dioxin in them according to Mary Jane Derex. She told use that in recent years polar bears have been increasing steadily in dioxin levels that would kill humans. The cubs of polar bears are being born with these extremely high levels. This is part of the reason why the polar bear population is becoming extinct.

Dioxin also does not break down rapidly. It stays in the environment or in animals for a very long time. This will cause problems in the food chain for decades. It will also cause problems for humans; too. If we get really high levels of dioxin in our bodies it will kill us. The only safe way to rid the environment of dioxin is to stop making PVC. Is this really an option?

PVC has revolutionized the construction business. It is cheaper and more flexible than copper or other metals that are primarily used for piping. There are many advantages that PVC gives to construction companies. This is why PVC is still being made today. The only way to make this process stop is have a government mandate. This probably will not happen, but it should to safe the environment.