Polyvinylchloride Contraversy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Polyvinylchloride Contraversy - Essay Example The main characteristics of PVC include:Excellent thermal and sound insulation: PVC has extremely low thermal conductivity provides superior heat insulation. This makes it suitable for use in windows and electric cables among others.PVC is flexible in design: It can be utilized safely in numerous circumstances.PVC requires no maintenance: It is not affected by atmospheric agents because it is manufactured from stable materials.PVC is flame retardant: It is self-extinguishing thus used in construction and all other areas of application.The characteristics of PVC make it suitable for many uses. It is used in:Building and construction: PVC is widely used in building and construction. It is used for windows, doors, pipes, shutters, frames and tiles among others (Joyce, 2005).Automobile: PVC is used to manufacture various car components such as dashboards, doors and electrical cabinets among others.Electricity and electronics: PVC is used to make electric cables for both domestic and indu strial use, pipes and sockets among other electric appliances. Packaging: PVC is commonly used to package foodstuffs as well as pharmaceuticals (Rapra Technology Limited, 2 007).Manufacturing or vinyl toys.Despite its extensive use and low cost, PVC has not been without controversy over its safety. Research has shown that high amounts of phthalates are toxic to human health. Earl Gray revealed in his work that male reproductive development is highly responsive to certain phthalates.