Report warns of PVC waste crisis looming

Dec. 8 -- The United States is facing a waste crisis as some 70 billion pounds of polyvinyl chloride plastic will enter the waste stream in the next decade, according to report released Dec. 7.

The Center for Health, Environment & Justice has concluded that PVC disposal rates will increase sharply because an estimated 125 billion pounds of PVC that has been installed in the last 40 years in construction and other projects will reach the end of its life.

From 1996 to 2002, the U.S. used 250 billion pounds of PVC in products ranging from vinyl siding to shampoo bottles, according to the report, which is available at www.besafenet.com.

The report warns of increased cancer rates due to dioxin emissions from burning PVC and other public health issues associated with PVC products, including medical devices.