On Dec. 14, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a review that potentially could lead to changes regarding polyvinyl chloride plastic production, according to Phys.org.
Vinyl chloride, which is used in the manufacturing and processing of PVC, was officially classified as a human carcinogen in 1974 and banned in hair sprays, refrigerants, cosmetics and drugs. However, it continues to be used to make PVC water lines, siding panels for houses and product packaging, among other things.
An EPA statement regarding the review, which includes four other chemicals, said the step was “consistent with a commitment from the Biden-Harris Administration to understand and address environmental and toxic exposures” as part of President Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative.
Globally, national, state and city governments have been tightening restrictions regarding PVC use and disposal.
The review will be a year-long process that includes a public comment period. By December 2024, EPA is expected to announce the steps it will take, which could be doing nothing, placing additional restrictions on PVC or banning PVC in the U.S.
NRCA’s Washington, D.C., staff are following this issue closely and will provide more information as it becomes available.
