Environmental Profile Vinyl Wall Covering

performance

vinyl

every day

E N V IRONME N TA L P ROF ILE:

VINYL WALLCOVERING

vers

WE’VE DEVELOPED THIS BROCHURE TO PRESENT THE MOST RECENT AND RELIABLE SCIENTIFIC DATA IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PRODUCTS MADE WITH VINYL, AND TO PROVIDE BACKGROUND ABOUT THE VINYL INDUSTRY’S 40-YEAR TRACK RECORD OF

What is vinyl and where does it come from? Vinyl is essentially derived from two simple ingredients: fossil

COMMITMENT TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT. FOLLOWING ARE JUST A FEW

fuel and salt. Petroleum or natural gas is processed to make

OF THE MYRIAD, COST-EFFECTIVE USES OF VINYL IN EVERYDAY LIFE.

the natural element chlorine. Ethylene and chlorine are com-

ethylene, and salt is subjected to electrolysis to separate out bined to produce ethylene dichloride (EDC), which is further

Vinyl’s toughness and durability make it the most widely

on store shelves, and it provides tamper-resistance for food,

used plastic for building and construction applications such

pharmaceuticals and other products. Because it will not rust

as roofing, siding, windows, fencing, decking, wallcovering,

or corrode, vinyl is widely used in water pipes to deliver

wall protection and base, and floor covering. As the material

clean, safe-to-drink water and in sewer pipes to ensure the

of choice for blood bags and tubing, vinyl helps to maintain

integrity of wastewater handling systems. Vinyl’s resistance

the world’s blood supply and supports critical healthcare

to breakdown under high electrical voltage and its ability to

procedures such as dialysis. As a packaging material, vinyl

bend without cracking make it the leading material for wire

helps to keep food safe and fresh during transportation and

and cable insulation.

processed into a gas called vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). In the next step, known as polymerization, the VCM molecules are converted into a fine, white powder – vinyl resin – which becomes the basis for the final process, compounding. In compounding, vinyl resin may be blended with additives such as plasticizers for flexibility, stabilizers for durability and pigments for color. Through various plastics processing operations, manufacturers are able to offer versatile products with customized performance characteristics.

atile

stylish Is the process for manufacturing vinyl and vinyl wallcovering safe for workers, the environment and the surrounding community?

To produce vinyl wallcovering, manufacturers mix vinyl resin together with other materials and, using heat,

What is dioxin and where does it come from?

roll the product into thin film. Either before or after laminating, the vinyl sheets are decorated using any of a variety

Dioxin is not produced intentionally; it can occur when

of printing techniques, and the rolls are then packaged and

anything containing chlorine burns. Because chlorine is so

The vinyl production process is extensively regulated by

shipped. These processes also must be operated according

pervasive in the environment, dioxin is a byproduct of natu-

federal and state governments, and is essentially enclosed

to state, federal and industry safety standards.

ral events like forest fires, lightning and volcanoes, as well

and computer-controlled, to safeguard the health of industry workers, people living near vinyl manufacturing facilities, and the environment. In addition, North American vinyl resin manufacturers have made a voluntary public commitment to achieve the goals of the chemical industry’s Responsible Care ® program (www.americanchemistry.com), one of the most comprehensive and conscientious standards of health, safety and environmental conduct created by any industry. Workplace exposures to VCM are regulated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ,

and air and water emissions associated with the vinyl manufacturing process are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . In 2002, EPA reviewed the standards applicable to the vinyl industry and determined that compliance with current emission standards reflects “maximum achievable control technology” as mandated in 1990 by the Clean Air Act.

Is the production and use of chlorine in vinyl wallcovering safe? The men and women who work in the high-tech facilities where chlorine is produced from common salt are highly trained and required to practice safety rules. Vinyl wallcovering products are made with a very stable form of chlorine

as manmade activity such as burning wood and backyard trash, diesel vehicle emissions and various manufacturing processes. In fact, the biggest manmade source today by far, at 57 percent, is backyard burning. By comparison, all vinyl manufacturing today accounts for less than three percent of dioxin releases to the environment from manmade sources.

EPAEPA data: VinylVinyl small dioxin source Data: Small Dioxin Source

that is chemically different from the elemental form. No

2002/4 EMISSIONS (g TEQ)

chlorine is emitted from the finished product. Chlorine is a naturally occurring element that is essential to life and also is used in ways that protect public health and safety and improve the quality of life. For example, 85 percent of all pharmaceuticals contain chlorine

Backyard burning

All other sources

or are manufactured using chlorine chemistry. Chlorine is essential to making vinyl what it is – one of the most durable materials in use today, reducing the need to dispose of and replace products.

Vinyl resin mfrg

Diesel trucks Fireplaces

SOURCE: U.S. EPA, DIOXIN POLICY PROJECT, OFFICE OF POLLUTION PREVENTION & TOXICS

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flexible Dioxin declining as vinyl production rises 40 VINYL PRODUCTION, BILLION lbs / yr

DIOXIN DEPOSITS pg / cm2 / yr

Dioxin Vinyl

30

20

10

1880

1900

1920

1940

1960

1980

2000

in air emissions from municipal and medical incinerators, and

The vinyl industry and third-party organizations have

substantial further declines continue to be documented.”

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conducted research on the combustion toxicity of vinyl

By 2004, EPA estimates dioxin emissions will be down more

products. The contribution of the combustion by-products

than 90 percent from 1987 levels.

from vinyl wallcovering to the overall toxic threat of fires

How do vinyl wallcoverings behave in accidental fires? Vinyl has excellent fire performance qualities. Vinyl building products are based on a naturally fire retardant polymer,

In the past 30 years, dioxin levels in the environment

and flexible products like vinyl wallcoverings often contain

have sharply and steadily declined while production of

additional flame retardants, which generally means they are

vinyl has more than tripled.

slow to catch or spread fire, and tend not to burn after the

EPA attributes the dramatic declines in dioxin

flame source is removed.

emissions to regulations and voluntary industry actions.

Standards have been established to test flame

Incinerators are a good case in point. Studies consistently

spread and smoke development of materials used on walls

show that dioxin emissions from waste incinerators are

and ceilings, including substrates and adhesives. The ma-

primarily the result of how things are burned, not what

jority of wallcoverings meet “Class A” and/or the National

is burned.1 Regulations have improved how incinerators

Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements and have

operate.

excellent fire ratings. This means they can safely be speci-

EPA has stated that its “best estimates of emissions

fied throughout a building’s interior. Also, wallcoverings

from sources that can be reasonably quantified indicate that

are a lightweight decorative product and typically are a

dioxin emissions in the United States decreased about 80

small component of a building in the context of smoke

percent between 1987 and 1995, primarily due to reductions

development.

containing many types of combustibles is not significant. Most fire scientists recognize that the largest hazard in a fire is carbon monoxide (CO) , an odorless asphyxiant gas produced in abundance by all organic materials, natural and synthetic.3 4 In terms of toxicity, the combustion by-products of vinyl are similar to the combustion by-products of other common materials, including wood and fabric. Hydrogen chloride (HCl) , an irritant gas having a pungent odor, is produced when vinyl burns and is detectable in very small quantities long before it reaches a dangerous concentration. An argument can be made that HCl can act as an early warning that there is a fire, and alert occupants to evacuate. HCl is unique in that its concentration in the air decreases rapidly when it reacts with humidity and most construction surfaces, like cement block, ceiling tile and gypsum board.5 6 7 8 9 The U.S. fire death rate is decreasing, dropping from a rate of 76 per million in the 1940s to 15 per million in the 1990s (by which time vinyl and other plastics had achieved

significant market share in numerous applications). This downward trend can be attributed in large part to improved

cleanable building codes, as well as the broader use of sprinkler systems and smoke alarms. However, the increased use of more fire-retardant materials – like vinyl – deserves part of the credit for this improvement.

Are plasticizers used in vinyl wallcoverings a health issue? Independent scientists, international governmental bodies and phthalate producers have conducted extensive studies on the safety of phthalates – plasticizers commonly used to make vinyl flexible. In more than 40 years of study and use, phthalates have never been shown to cause harm to humans from their normal, intended use. Phthalates are tightly bound in the structure of the vinyl and have very low volatility, which means that they do not tend to evaporate. Thus, they would be an unlikely

EPA does not list phthalates as persistent, bioac-

low levels of VOC s (volatile organic compounds) should

cumulative, toxic (PBT) substances. Phthalate-plasticized vinyl is the material of choice

be considered when selecting interior products. VOCs can

for many medical products – such as blood bags and tubing

originate from many sources, including cleaning agents

– regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The

and interior materials. Many manufacturers offer vinyl

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has studied the

wallcovering products that are low-emitting. Some manu-

use of phthalates in vinyl toys and found no demonstrated

facturers have chosen to earn certification from third-party

health risk. On this basis, the Commission in February 2003

organizations. To reduce exposure to VOCs, check with the

denied a petition to ban vinyl children’s products. And, the

manufacturer for low-emitting and low-odor products.

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safety of medical devices and toys made of flexible vinyl

Like many interior products, vinyl wallcoverings may

was further affirmed by a blue-ribbon panel headed by

have an initial odor when newly installed. This odor does not

former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.13 A list of published

indicate that harmful agents are present. Any VOCs that are

or presented research is available at www.phthalates.

emitted from wallcoverings containing vinyl are dissipated

org/resources/index.html.

quickly through normal ventilation. Vinyl products will not

Do vinyl wallcoverings have an impact on indoor air quality?

contributor to “sick building syndrome.” Asthma is a growing concern today, and extensive

Most architects, designers and builders agree that the air

research is being conducted on its possible causes. The

quality inside a building depends on a number of factors,

Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of

including how a building is designed, built and maintained;

Sciences has reviewed the research on possible sources

the construction materials, furnishings and cleaning materials

(including phthalates), and phthalate plasticizers are not

used in the building; the heating/ventilating/air conditioning

on IOM’s list of more than a dozen chemical and biological

(HVAC) system; and the behavior of occupants.

agents to which exposure was found to be associated

If indoor air quality is a concern, products emitting

adversely impact indoor air quality when installed according to manufacturers’ recommended procedures. Good ventilation is critical for good indoor air quality. Ventilating with up to 100 percent outside air can reduce the initial period of emissions. Tests by independent laboratories have shown that, with adequate ventilation, the initial odor in vinyl wallcoverings will dissipate much faster than the odor of most paints. Information on “airing out” times published in the product literature should always be observed.

with asthma.10

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durable Because vinyl wallcoverings are so easy to clean, they

it must be understood that wallcoverings do not cause mold

tion. Information about corrective measures and educational

make it easy to remove sources of known allergens, such as

and mildew. In virtually all cases, the mold and mildew

tools to guard against mold as it relates to wallcovering

dust and pet dander, thereby improving indoor air quality. In

growth is due to excessive moisture. In order to prevent or

products are available from the Wallcoverings Association

fact, vinyl wallcoverings offer significant advantages over

eliminate mold and mildew, one must identify and eliminate

(www.wallcoverings.org) and the Chemical Fabrics and Film

competing materials. Vinyl products are extremely durable

the source of the excessive moisture. In unusual cases, where

Association (www.chemicalfabricsandfilm.com).15

and compatible with cleaning agents so that bacteria

moisture or moisture infiltration from the wall cavity cannot be

and other disease-causing microorganisms can be readily

eliminated or sufficiently reduced, use of wallcoverings with

removed or disinfected. An article in the August 2000 issue

higher permeability ratings should be considered.

of the American Journal of Infection Control reported that

Wallcovering discoloration or wall deterioration

drug-resistant bacteria does not survive routine cleaning

caused by mold is an indication of a moisture problem.

of a vinyl surface. This led the researchers to conclude that

The source of the water or excessive moisture should be

an easily cleanable, nonporous material such as vinyl can

found immediately and eliminated. The control of moisture

be significant for infection control in healthcare settings.14

vapor and its relationship to different types of wallcovering

Vinyl products are much more compatible with antimicrobi-

construction must be communicated to specifiers, installers,

als, providing a lower level of bacterial contamination than

architects and property owners.

other finishes.

What is the relationship of vinyl wallcoverings to mold and mildew? Issues concerning mold and mildew are gaining increased attention from both residential and commercial property owners, as well as the public at large. Although wallcoverings are often cited in connection with mold and mildew growth,

Are there any restrictions to disposing of vinyl in landfills? No. In fact, landfills are often lined and capped with vinyl membranes to protect groundwater. This is because the vinyl sheets are long lasting and virtually inert.

Can vinyl wallcovering be recycled? As a thermoplastic, vinyl can be re-melted and recycled re-

For preventive measures, it is important that any

peatedly. Vinyl wallcovering manufacturers routinely recycle

wallcovering professional (specifier, architect, designer,

scrap directly back into the process to minimize waste related

installer or user) or property owner should conduct ongo-

to production.

ing evaluation and be aware of any potential construction problems that may cause excessive moisture. It also is necessary to educate and inform wallcovering professionals about the prevention and detection of mold, proper removal, wall surface treatment and product selection, and the proper process for wallcovering installa-

As with any building product, the key to effective post-consumer vinyl recycling is to find a cost-effective way to collect, separate and transport clean material for recycling at the end of its useful life.

cost-effective Has vinyl’s environmental performance been endorsed by any national or international environmental, scientific or government organizations? When vinyl is evaluated according to unbiased scientific principles, it is often endorsed as an environmentally safe and beneficial material. A few recent examples: ■

CSIRO, Australia’s premier scientific organization, com-

pleted a multi-year study in 1998 that determined that vinyl performs as well as or better than alternative building materials environmentally.16 ■

The German Council of Environmental Advisors, which

the Swedish government gave approval for continuing the

in a genuinely sustainable future (depending on whether or

sustainable development of vinyl, focusing specifically on

not it can meet the challenges outlined in our Evaluation), but

substitution for some additives and increased recycling.

exactly the same questions must be asked of all materials, be

17

What do life cycle studies show about vinyl? Since the late 1980s, at least 26 life cycle evaluations have been published on vinyl building products, many of them comparing vinyl products to similar products made of other materials. Vinyl products generally have been found to perform favorably in terms of energy efficiency, thermalinsulating value, low contribution to greenhouse gases and product durability, which means using fewer resources.

they man-made or natural, before leaping to what are often ill-judged and unscientific conclusions.” More information is available at www.naturalstep.org.uk/uk_homepage.htm A life cycle analysis (LCA) conducted for the United Kingdom’s Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions showed that vinyl is the best material for some uses and that the differences between vinyl and competing materials are small when environmental impacts are considered from the extraction of raw materials to end-of-service life.19

advises the German government on environmental issues,

The Natural Step (TNS), a highly regarded approach

issued an endorsement of vinyl, revoking its earlier recom-

to sustainability advocated by a number of environmental

mendation that substitutes be found. In the early 1990s,

organizations around the world, was used in the U.K. to

the German cities of Berlin, Bielefeld, Chemnitz, Kassel

evaluate vinyl from its salt and natural gas beginnings

Vinyl has the third-largest sales volume of all plastic materi-

and Osnabruch, the regions of Herzogturn Lauenburg and

through the end of its useful life.18 In a cover letter accom-

als globally and has grown faster than GDP in most parts of

Westerwald as well as the states of Hessen, Mecklen-

panying the evaluation, Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the

the world. According to Chemical Market Associates, Inc.,

burg-Vorpommern and Thuringen withdrew their anti- PVC

Natural Step U.K. office, wrote, “It serves little purpose

North American demand for vinyl should increase more than

resolutions either fully or in part.

arguing for the elimination of PVC without first assessing

3 percent yearly through 2010. Because of benefits such as

the degree to which any substitutes would have a lower

long-term durability, low maintenance requirements and

‘sustainability footprint.’ PVC may or may not have a place

cost-effectiveness, vinyl continues to be the material of

■

Naturvardsverket, Sweden’s environmental protection

agency, and Kemikalieinspektionen, its chemicals inspectorate, have reviewed vinyl’s environmental performance

How does vinyl wallcovering compare with competing materials?

choice for wallcovering.

in the areas of waste management and additives. In 1998, 67

www.vinylbydesign.com

www.wallcoverings.org

www.chemicalfabricsandfilm.com

endn endnotes 1

H. Gregor Rigo, A. John Handler, W. Steven Laurier, “The Relationship Between Chlorine In Waste Streams and Dioxin Emissions From Waste Combustor Stacks,” The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1995.

8

F.M. Galloway, M.M. Hirschler and G.F. Smith, “Model for the generation of hydrogen chloride from the combustion of poly(vinyl chloride) under conditions of forcefully minimized decay,” Eur. Polymer J., 25 (1989).

2

“Dioxin: Summary of the Dioxin Reassessment Science,” Information Sheet 1, U.S. EPA, June 12, 2000.

9

3

W.A. Burgess, R.D. Treitman and A. Gold, “Air Contaminants in Structural Firefighting,” N.F.P.C.A. Project 7X008, Harvard School of Public Health, 1979.

F.M. Galloway, M.M. Hirschler and G.F. Smith, “Surface parameters from small scale experiments used for measuring HCl transport and decay in fire atmospheres,” Fire and Materials, 15 (1992).

4

5

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A.F. Grand, H.L. Kaplan and G.H. Lee, “Investigation of Combustion Atmospheres in Real Fires,” U.S.F.A. Project 80027, Southwest Research Institute, 1981. J.J. Beitel, C.A. Bertelo, W.F. Carroll, R.A. Gardner, A.F. Grand, M.M. Hirschler and G.F. Smith, “Hydrogen chloride transport and decay in a large apparatus. I. Decomposition of poly(vinyl chloride) wire insulation in a plenum by current overload,” J. Fire Sciences, 4 (1986). C.A. Bertelo, W.F. Carroll, M.M. Hirschler and G.F. Smith, “Thermal decomposition of poly(vinyl chloride). Kinetics of generation and decay of hydrogen chloride in large and small systems and the effect of humidity,” in “Fire Safety Science, Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium,” C.E. Grant and P.J. Pagni, editors, Hemisphere, Washington (1986). J.J. Beitel, C.A. Bertelo, W.F. Carroll, R.A. Gardner, A.F. Grand, M.M. Hirschler and G.F. Smith, “Hydrogen chloride transport and decay in a large apparatus: II. Variables affecting hydrogen chloride decay,” J. Fire Sciences, 5 (1987).

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Gary A. Noskin, MD, Patrice Bednarz, BSN, Terra Suriano, RN, MS, CIC, Sandra Reiner, RN, CIC, and Lance R. Peterson, MD, “Persistent contamination of fabric-covered furniture by vancomycin-resistant enterococci: Implications for upholstery selection in hospitals,” American Journal of Infection Control, August 2000.

15

“Mold: Cause, Effect and Response,” a study of wallcovering products prepared for the Wallcoverings Association and the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, 2003.

16

“Environmental Aspects of the Use of PVC in Building Products, Second Edition,” a study carried out for the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association, Inc., CSIRO Molecular Science, June 1998.

17

“Disposal of PVC Waste – Report on a Government Assignment,” Report 4594, Naturvardsverket, and “Additives in PVC; Marking of PVC – Report on Completion of a Government Task,” Kemikalieinspektionen, June 1996.

18

“PVC: An Evaluation Using the Natural Step Framework,” The Natural Step, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK, July 2000.

19

“Life Cycle Assessment of Polyvinyl Chloride and Alternatives,” Entec UK Limited and Ecobalance UK, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: London (now the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs), February 2001.

“Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures,” Institute of Medicine Committee on the Assessment of Asthma and Indoor Air, National Academy of Sciences (2000).

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Staff Recommendation in Response to Petition HP 99-1 Requesting Ban of Use of PVC in Products Intended for Children Five Years of Age and Under, CPSC Directorate for Health Sciences, August 2002. Letter from T. Stevenson, Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, to J. Wise, National Environmental Trust, re: Petition Requesting Ban of Use of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in Products Intended for Children Five Years of Age and Under (Feb. 26, 2003). C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D., Chair; Daland R. Juberg, Ph.D.; Elissa P. Benedek, M.D.; Ronald W. Brecher, Ph.D., C.Chem., D.A.B.T.; Robert L. Brent, M.D., Ph.D.; Philip Cole, M.D., Dr.P.H.; Morton Corn, Ph.D.; Vincent T. Covello, Ph.D.; Theron W. Downes, Ph.D.; Shayne C. Gad, Ph.D., D.A.B.T.; Lois Swirsky Gold, Ph.D.; Peter Guengerich, Ph.D.; John Higginson, M.D., F.R.C.P.; W. Hans Konemann, Ph.D.; James C. Lamb IV, Ph.D., D.A.B.T.; Paul J. Lioy, Ph.D.; George Lundberg, M.D.; Kimberly M. Thompson, Sc.D., “A Scientific Evaluation of Health Effects of Two Plasticizers Used in Medical Devices and Toys,” American Council on Science and Health, New York, N.Y., June 22, 1999.

Printed on paper containing 10% total recovered fiber/all post-consumer fiber (4.04)